Ovarian Cancer
How It Quietly Impacts Women's Lives?
Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that begins in the ovaries. These are small, important organs in a woman’s body that produce eggs and female hormones.
Because the early signs of this cancer can be vague and easily mistaken for other common issues, it’s very important to be aware of your body. Understanding the types, causes, and symptoms of Ovarian cancer is key to catching it early. Finding and treating this disease at an early stage greatly increases the chances of a successful recovery. This guide is here to provide you with all this essential information in simple, clear language.
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.
Facts
- Ovarian cancer is a common type of cancer that affects women.
- It often develops slowly and doesn't show many symptoms at first.
- Although any woman can get ovarian cancer, it is more common in older women.
- Tests like pelvic exams and imaging scans help detect ovarian cancer early.
- Some women may have a higher risk if they have certain genes, like BRCA mutations.
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
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
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
Treatments
- Surgery to remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other affected tissues
- Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors
- Targeted therapy to block cancer cell growth
- Hormone therapy to block hormone-related tumor growth
- Immunotherapy to boost the body’s immune system against cancer
- Radiation therapy, though less commonly used, may be considered
- Clinical trials to explore new treatment options
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
Written by
Dr. Swati Shah
MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Swati Shah is a Robotic Uro and Gynecological Cancer Surgeon in Ahmedabad.
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.
Last Updated on 2 months by Dr Harsh & Swati Shah