Physical findings are rare in early disease, and symptoms of advanced cancer include abdominal pain, and swelling, as well as bloating and pain while eating. More advanced stages may cause pelvic pain, nausea, and constipation.
The stages of ovarian cancer are A, B, C, and D. Each stage relates to the size of the tumor and where it has spread. Cancers that have not spread beyond the ovaries are stage 1A, while those that have spread to lymph nodes or other tissues may be stage 1B. Stage 2A and 3C are the most serious stages and indicate that the cancer has spread to other organs or distant locations.
Surgery is typically the first treatment option for ovarian cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the entire uterus and sometimes the fallopian tubes, but it is important to note that the process is complicated by the multiple tumor locations. Researchers have sought ways to improve this process by using targeted therapies that attack the cancer cells without damaging normal cells. These agents are called PARP inhibitors. They are used to block DNA damage in tumors.
In addition to the three types of ovarian cancer, many women have benign ovarian tumors. The most common are stromal ovarian tumors and serous ovarian tumors. Atypical proliferating tumors are the second most common form. While both are categorized as ovarian tumors, they do not usually cause symptoms. Because ovarian cancers commonly originate in the fallopian tubes, the removal of these ovaries may help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. In addition to reducing a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, this procedure also eliminates her source of hormones.
While most cases of ovarian cancer are stage one, it is important to remember that it can also be stage two. Stage two cancers are not usually diagnosed until the first symptoms appear. A doctor can determine if the condition is in the early stages or if it is in the later stages. If cancer has already progressed, treatment is not likely to be effective. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, surgery may be the only option.
Once a diagnosis has been made, it is important to take a biopsy. A biopsy is necessary for a proper diagnosis and may involve breaking off the covering of an ovary. This may allow the cancer to spread and grow. However, in most cases, ovarian cancer is diagnosed during surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the tumors and also takes samples of nearby tissues. The sampled tissue will allow the doctor to determine if cancer has spread. These samples are sent to a lab for further testing.
Early detection of ovarian cancer is vital because early symptoms often overlap with other conditions. This makes it harder to recognize the disease until it is late. If detected early, treatment is usually more effective. Luckily, more than 20 percent of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed during its early stages. However, women with a family history of the disease should discuss the options with their doctor as early detection can significantly increase the chances of surviving the disease.
