The first signs of the disease are vague and may not even be cancer-related. This is because the disease can often be in an advanced stage before a woman realizes any symptoms. Unfortunately, there are no screening tests available for this disease, so early detection is the key to surviving the illness. The good news is that early detection can save a woman’s life.
While ovarian cancer can strike women of any age, most cases occur in women between the ages of 50-60. Genetics may be a cause for some, though only a small percentage of cases are due to gene mutations. Some genetic disorders, such as Lynch syndrome, are known to increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. The symptoms of ovarian cancer can vary greatly depending on the cause of the disease, but it is possible to reduce the risk by being aware of family history and being aware of any symptoms.
Surgery for ovarian cancer is the most common treatment. During surgery, the surgeon will make a vertical cut from the belly button to the pubic bone. The surgeon will then collect fluid and tissue samples for analysis. Samples will be sent to a pathologist in the operating theatre. The pathologist will look for signs of cancer in these samples. Other treatments include total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and chemotherapy.
In addition to the pain associated with ovarian cancer, other symptoms of the disease include abnormal bleeding during your period and increased bloating. Some women experience a decrease in appetite as well as abdominal pain. Women with abnormal bleeding after menopause should see a doctor immediately. A decrease in the amount of blood in the urine may also be a warning sign of ovarian cancer. Further, women with symptoms of ovarian cancer should not ignore any symptoms that make them unable to conceive.
The ovaries are small oval organs located in the pelvis, close to the fallopian tubes. The ovaries are supported by a tissue called peritoneum. If cancer is allowed to grow uncontrollably, the ovaries can begin to spread to other areas of the body. Although most women have no symptoms of ovarian cancer at the earliest stage, it can spread to other organs in the body, such as the peritoneum and liver.
The stage of ovarian cancer can be classified by the type and location of the tumor. If it has spread, the surgeon may remove lymph nodes and tissue samples. If the cancer is limited to the ovaries, the surgeon may only remove one ovary. In some cases, the ovary may be left intact and the patient can carry a pregnancy. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, a woman may need radiation treatment instead.
A doctor can test the CA-125 level in a woman’s blood to determine if she has ovarian cancer. Women with elevated levels of this protein have a greater chance of developing the disease. However, a woman can be diagnosed with ovarian cancer despite a normal blood level of the protein. The doctors will use other tests, such as a CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis. There is no cure for ovarian cancer, but treatment can extend life and quality of life.
