Women with ovarian cancer may also experience pelvic pain, a large abdomen, bloating, and difficulty eating. Later-stage disease may include a mass in the pelvic area, nausea, constipation, and leg swelling. Physical findings vary, depending on the stage of the disease. Some women may present with a mass, while others may develop ascites or leg swelling. In either case, doctors must be prepared to offer chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
The stage of the disease is based on the extent of the cancer. The FIGO staging system is used to categorize cancer stages. Stage I comprises three sub-stages: IA, IB, and IC. Stage IA is comprised of cancer confined to one ovary, while stage IB refers to cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. Whether the cancer is localized or regional will determine how aggressive treatment is.
Germ cell tumors are less common than ovarian cancer. These tumors arise in the egg-producing cells. Although they are rare, they have a good prognosis: ninety percent of women diagnosed with these tumors will survive for at least five years after diagnosis. In addition, these tumors are curable in seventy-five percent of cases. High-dose chemotherapy and bone-marrow transplantation can cure up to 90% of patients.
Although ovarian cancers have many different types, they are typically epithelial tumors that develop on the outside of the ovaries. Eighty-five percent of ovarian cancer cases are epithelial. Germ cell tumors develop inside the egg-producing cells and are rare. Most ovarian cysts are benign, although a few are cancerous. The disease is usually curable if diagnosed early.
Palliative care is important during the treatment of ovarian cancer. Treatment aims to improve the quality of life and ease symptoms. It may involve radiotherapy or chemotherapy and drug therapies. A medical oncologist or radiation oncologist will prescribe treatment options, interpret diagnostic scans, and determine a plan of action for the patient. A gynecological pathologist may perform the biopsy or examine tissue from the abdomen. Allied health professionals, such as a cancer nurse, will help patients through their treatment and provide support.
While there are no proven ways to prevent ovarian cancer, healthy eating habits and weight management can reduce the risk of the disease. It’s important to know your family’s history of ovarian cancer to prepare for your increased risk. Women who have a gene mutation known as BRCA, for instance, may need to undergo a risk-reducing surgery to reduce their risk. It’s not known which of these factors is a cause of ovarian cancer.
Some signs of ovarian cancer include irregular menstruation, heavier bleeding during periods, and pain during bowel movements. These symptoms may develop after menopause. Women who have never had children or those who give birth to children after menopause also have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. A woman’s age at diagnosis can also play a role in her risk. If you have symptoms of ovarian cancer, see a doctor immediately.
