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Ovarian Cancer

How It Quietly Impacts Women's Lives?

Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that affects the ovaries, which are small organs on each side of the uterus. These organs are important for producing eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. It is important to know about ovarian cancer, including its types, causes, symptoms, and the tests available to detect it. Finding it early and treating it properly can greatly improve the chances of a successful outcome.
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Summary

Ovarian cancer happens when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow out of control, forming a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body. It often shows mild symptoms, making it hard to detect early. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and in some cases, targeted therapy, depending on how advanced the cancer is.
  • Causes
Ovarian cancer can develop due to factors like age, family history, genetic changes (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), and certain lifestyle choices. Hormone replacement therapy and a history of reproductive issues can also increase the risk.
  • Symptoms
Common symptoms include constant bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, and frequent urination. These symptoms are often unclear, which can delay diagnosis.
  • Diagnosis
Ovarian cancer is diagnosed with a mix of pelvic exams, imaging tests (like ultrasound or CT scans), and blood tests, including the CA-125 marker test. Early detection is key to improving survival rates.
Ovarian Cancer - a Complete Step by Step Guide by Dr. Swati Shah

Facts

Know More

  • Ovarian cancer can grow slowly and might not show signs until it has spread.
  • It usually starts with abnormal growths in the ovaries.
  • Catching ovarian cancer early is important for successful treatment.
  • Regular check-ups and knowing your family health history can help find it early.
  • If treated early, ovarian cancer can be controlled with surgery and chemotherapy.

Symptoms

  • Abdominal bloating or swelling
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
  • Urinary urgency or frequency
  • Fatigue or feeling tired all the time
  • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
  • Back pain
  • Menstrual irregularities or abnormal bleeding
  • Pain during intercourse
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Causes

  • Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
  • Inherited gene mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2)
  • Age (risk increases after menopause)
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use
  • History of endometriosis
  • Personal history of breast or colorectal cancer
  • Obesity
  • Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption
  • Never being pregnant or having difficulty conceiving
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Diagnosis

  • Pelvic examination to feel for abnormal masses
  • Transvaginal ultrasound to check for tumors or abnormalities
  • CA-125 blood test to detect elevated tumor marker levels
  • CT scan or MRI to evaluate the size and spread of tumors
  • Biopsy to confirm cancerous cells
  • Laparoscopy to examine the pelvic area and take tissue samples
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Treatments

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Treatment Options and Outcomes

Ovarian cancer treatment depends on various factors, including the stage of the disease, overall health, and specific tumor characteristics. Below is a table showing the most common treatment options for ovarian cancer, including their purpose, effectiveness, and possible side effects. This can help both patients and healthcare professionals make informed decisions about the best treatment approach.
Treatment Option Description Purpose Outcome/Effectiveness Side Effects
Surgery (Oophorectomy) Removal of ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding tissues to eliminate cancer. To remove cancerous tissue and reduce the spread of the disease. Effective for localized cancer; improves survival if the cancer is contained. Pain, infection, bleeding, hormonal changes.
Chemotherapy Use of drugs to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. To destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery or reduce tumor size. Can significantly shrink tumors, often used as adjuvant therapy. Nausea, fatigue, hair loss, immune suppression.
Targeted Therapy Drugs that target specific cancer cells without harming normal cells. To inhibit cancer cell growth by targeting molecular abnormalities. Effective in some cases, particularly for cancers with specific mutations. Diarrhea, fatigue, skin problems.
Hormone Therapy Treatment to block hormones that fuel tumor growth. To slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers. Used when cancer is hormone-receptor positive; can manage recurrence. Hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue.
Immunotherapy Treatment that boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer. To enhance immune response against cancer cells. Still experimental for ovarian cancer, but promising in some cases. Fatigue, immune-related side effects, rashes.
Radiation Therapy High-energy radiation used to target cancer cells. To shrink or eliminate residual cancer cells. Less commonly used; may be effective for localized spread. Skin irritation, fatigue, nausea.
Clinical Trials Participation in studies for new treatment options. To test new therapies and treatments for effectiveness. Can offer access to innovative treatments and better outcomes. Side effects vary depending on the trial treatment.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

  • What stage is my ovarian cancer, and how does this affect my treatment options?
  • What are the potential side effects of the treatment options you recommend?
  • Are there any clinical trials available for my condition that I could consider?
  • What are the chances of recurrence, and how can I monitor my health after treatment?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Common signs include bloating in the stomach, pelvic pain, trouble eating, and changes in urination, but these can also be caused by other conditions.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed through pelvic exams, blood tests (like CA-125), ultrasounds, and sometimes a biopsy or CT scan for confirmation.

What are the treatment options for ovarian cancer?

Treatment usually starts with surgery to remove tumors, followed by chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy, depending on the type of cancer.

Can ovarian cancer be prevented?

It can't be fully prevented, but genetic counseling, early detection, and reducing risks (like obesity) may lower the chances of developing it.

What is the survival rate for ovarian cancer?

Survival rates depend on when the cancer is found. Early-stage ovarian cancer has a better survival rate compared to later stages.

What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?

Risk factors include family history, age, hormone therapy, conditions like endometriosis, and genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Can ovarian cancer return after treatment?

Yes, ovarian cancer can come back, especially if it was diagnosed at an advanced stage. Regular follow-ups are important for early detection of recurrence.

How does ovarian cancer affect fertility?

Treatments like surgery and chemotherapy can affect fertility, but options like egg freezing or fertility preservation can be discussed before treatment.

Are there any alternative treatments for ovarian cancer?

Some alternative treatments may help manage symptoms, but they should not replace conventional treatments like surgery and chemotherapy. Always consult your doctor.

What is the role of genetic testing in ovarian cancer?

Genetic testing can identify hereditary risks like BRCA mutations, helping guide personalized treatments and preventive options for family members.
Dr Swati Shah

Written by

Dr. Swati Shah

MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Swati Shah is a Robotic Uro and Gynecological Cancer Surgeon in Ahmedabad.

Dr Harsh Shah - Robotic Cancer Surgeon

Reviewed by

Dr. Harsh Shah

MS, MCh (G I cancer Surgeon)

Dr. Harsh Shah is a renowned GI and HPB Robotic Cancer Surgeon in Ahmedabad.

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