In the United States, approximately 19,880 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022, and another 12,810 will die from this disease. In most cases, ovarian cancer is an undiagnosed disease that occurs when abnormal cells begin to multiply without control. While the earliest symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague, there are signs that may indicate it.
In a medical setting, an ovarian cancer diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, imaging tests, and a biopsy. Imaging tests are often done to identify the presence of tumor cells and detect high levels of the cancer marker CA-125. Blood tests may also detect elevated levels of the protein CA-125, a marker found on the surface of cancer cells. Finally, a biopsy of an ovarian mass is necessary to confirm the cancer diagnosis.
Depending on the type of cancer and its stage, patients may be prescribed surgery to remove the tumor and preserve the ovaries. Sometimes, chemotherapy is also necessary before or after surgery to shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy involves the administration of drugs to the cancer cells. Different groups of drugs have different functions and work against different types of cancer. An oncologist will recommend a treatment plan based on your unique needs and symptoms.
A woman’s ovary may be affected by several types of ovarian cancer. While most types are classified as Stage 1 and stage II, the type affecting young women is often called low-grade ovarian cancer. This cancer is often not serious, and if caught early, the prognosis is excellent. A woman’s ovary may be at risk for developing a tumor if she’s already had a child.
Some women experience daily symptoms of ovarian cancer. These can last for weeks. In advanced stages, the symptoms may last for months or years. Fortunately, most cases of ovarian cancer are non-invasive. In addition to the daily pain and swelling, women may experience abnormal bleeding. Abnormal bleeding, especially after menopause, may also indicate ovarian cancer. If your doctor suspects cancer in your ovaries, you may need to undergo an ultrasound examination.
Surgery is the most common treatment for ovarian cancer. The type of procedure depends on the extent and stage of the disease. If the cancer has spread to just one ovary, doctors may opt for a salpino-oophorectomy, which preserves fertility. Women of childbearing age may also undergo surgery to remove their ovaries and fallopian tubes. These procedures are only suitable for women who are still in their reproductive years.
In late stages of the disease, treatment becomes difficult, and a woman’s chances of survival are worse. Although early detection is essential, treatment becomes more difficult. As ovarian cancer spreads, it can also spread to other parts of the body. There are two primary types of epithelial ovarian tumors: serous ovarian carcinoma and mucinous ovarian carcinoma. While a woman’s chances of survival are less than ten percent, the later stages make treatment more difficult and may result in a poor prognosis.
