To do this, your treatment team will use additional tests and steps. These tests, called staging, are conducted during surgery to determine whether the cancer has spread or is confined to the ovaries. These tests can help determine the best course of treatment for you. Fortunately, most ovarian cancers can be cured if caught early.
The majority of ovarian cancers are classified as low-grade or mucinous tumors. These tumors can form large masses, but rarely spread. These tumors are curable with surgery. The most common type of ovarian cancer, also known as germ cell tumors, arises from reproductive cells in the ovaries. Most cases are found in women of reproductive age. They include dysgerminomas, yolk sac tumors, embryonal carcinomas, and mixed germ cell tumors.
The ovaries are small, oval-shaped organs found in the pelvic cavity and lower abdomen. They contain germ cells, which eventually mature into eggs. If the cancer spreads to these cells, it can result in the development of other tumors in the body. Because of this, early detection of ovarian cancer is crucial to preventing it from advancing to a more severe stage. It is important to get regular check-ups, as early detection can save your life.
Most ovarian cancers are classified as either stromal or germ cell tumors. Stromal tumors originate in the lining of the ovaries, which produces both the hormones and the eggs. They comprise 85-9 percent of ovarian cancer cases, but the number of deaths from stromal tumors is highest among women aged 30 and above. Germ cell tumors are less common, but they occur in younger women.
Although there are currently no cures for ovarian cancer, treatments are available to help women manage it. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Chemotherapy is a common treatment for ovarian cancer, but most women diagnosed with this disease have advanced stages of the disease. A biopsy may be required before surgery. It is important to note that treatment for ovarian cancer is a multifaceted process, and it is vital to understand the risks associated with each treatment.
A person’s genetic predisposition is determined by hereditary background. This means that she inherited the genes for a particular cancer type. However, without additional genetic or environmental factors, the disease will not manifest itself. Other gene variations are associated with other subtypes of ovarian cancer, such as low-grade serous carcinoma. Some studies suggest that FABP4 gene variations may also be involved in ovarian cancer spreading. By understanding the underlying genetic factors that lead to cancer, we can find better targeted treatments for the disease.
Although ovarian cancer symptoms are difficult to recognize, they may indicate the presence of the disease. Women may experience symptoms of indigestion, abdominal discomfort, and back pain. Abdominal pain, bowel irregularities, and fatigue may also indicate ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that women visit their doctor if any of these symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks. Even if the symptoms are not life-threatening, women should seek medical treatment immediately.