Did you know that ovarian cancer can have several forms? The cancer can affect one or both ovaries. Ovaries are walnut-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus in the pelvic area. They produce important female hormones and release eggs each month. These eggs can be fertilized during a woman’s reproductive years. However, cancer of the ovaries can also occur in women who have never had children.
When it comes to the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer, they depend on how far the cancer has spread and which part of the ovaries is affected. Many early stages of ovarian cancer don’t cause symptoms, and the cancer has spread to nearby organs by the time the symptoms are considered. A doctor should be consulted if the symptoms persist. Early detection of these symptoms can improve your chances of a successful treatment.
Most ovarian cancers are epithelial in origin. Epithelial ovarian cancer, also known as ovarian carcinoma, arises when changes in the cells’ DNA cause them to multiply rapidly. The cancer cells then invade nearby tissues and break away from the original tumor. The most common types of ovarian cancer are epithelial (epithelial), stromal, and mesenchymal tumors. While epithelial cancers tend to spread quickly, stromal tumors typically occur at an earlier stage.
Patients with ovarian cancer may undergo chemotherapy or a combination of both. In some cases, chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink the tumor. This chemotherapy, known as neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, is not as effective as platinum-based chemotherapy, which is associated with side effects and is associated with increased risk of drug resistance. However, it is important to note that IP chemotherapy has a higher chance of improving the outlook of ovarian cancer.
The diagnosis of ovarian cancer is based on a woman’s symptoms and physical examination. Her doctor may perform an abdominal or pelvic ultrasound to assess the size of the ovary and reproductive organs. Imaging studies may also reveal abnormalities in the bowel and abdominal area, which is why the cancer risk associated with it is so high. The doctor will also perform an MRI if a woman has a high level of CA-125.
The treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease. If ovarian cancer has spread to more than one ovary, chemotherapy is the most common treatment. Surgery may be combined with other treatments, such as hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, the cancer may be small enough to be removed and preserve fertility in women of childbearing age. Most commonly, young women with low-risk malignant potential and women with cancer of the fallopian tube may be eligible for preserving their fertility.
Ovarian cancer symptoms are often attributed to other conditions. Screening tests are important to detect the disease early. A recto-vaginal pelvic exam, which is done with the use of a finger inserted in the vagina and rectum, is another way to determine if ovarian cancer is present. Some blood tests and imaging may detect the cancer, but there are risks of false positives. If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, consult with a medical doctor as soon as possible.
