Ovarian cancer is a disease of the ovaries, a gland in the female reproductive system. The ovaries are tiny organs that produce eggs and female hormones. They are about the size and shape of an almond. The disease is often detected through one or more diagnostic tests, including a physical exam, a pelvic exam, and lab tests. Sometimes, an ultrasound is used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy and/or surgery, but it’s always best to consult your doctor if you suspect you may have the disease.
If you think you may have ovarian cancer, you’ll likely be treated with a combination of drugs. The first two treatments, chemotherapy and targeted therapy, are used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy, also called targeted therapy, works by using drugs to target cancer cells while sparing the healthy cells in the body. This treatment is most effective for women who have advanced cancer, as it may be less aggressive.
Other symptoms include change in appetite and loss of weight, and abdominal pain and bloating. Some women may also experience ascites, pain in the abdomen, and bleeding that may be bloody. In severe cases, bowel movement may be impaired. Abnormal bleeding after menopause is also indicative of ovarian cancer. Moreover, urinalysis may reveal abnormalities in the bowels. Symptomatic treatment for ovarian cancer is highly effective in reducing symptoms.
Ovarian cancer develops when cells in the body grow uncontrollably. These cells can invade neighboring tissue, which means they can spread throughout the body. Ovarian cancers are classified as benign or malignant. Usually, cancer cells are found in the ovaries at an early stage. However, there are cases of cancer in the fallopian tubes that are difficult to diagnose. So, if you suspect you may have ovarian cancer, be sure to contact your doctor and seek treatment immediately.
Depending on the stage of the disease, a woman may require surgery to remove the tumor. During the initial surgery, the cancer cells are removed. It may also be removed from nearby tissues such as the fallopian tubes. When all cancer is removed, the woman may keep the ability to have children. In advanced stages, however, chemotherapy may be necessary to cure the disease and prevent recurrence. It can also be used as a substitute for surgery.
Women with certain genetic conditions are at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Using fertility treatments, estrogen-replacement therapy after menopause, or alcohol use can all increase a woman’s risk. But even without these factors, it is possible for a woman to develop ovarian cancer even if she has no known risk factors. If you suspect you may have these risk factors, talk to your doctor about the options and find out if you should undergo screening.
Advanced ovarian cancer patients may also benefit from new treatment options. Some ovarian cancer patients may join clinical trials to receive the latest treatments. Another option for advanced ovarian cancer patients is combining immunotherapy with other approved treatments. This combination may enhance the patient’s immune system to fight the disease. The current five-year survival rate represents the proportion of women who have died of ovarian cancer after diagnosis in 2008-2014. This outlook depends on the type of cancer, the stage, and the type.
