Sometimes it takes three doctors to determine whether you have ovarian cancer, which is why early diagnosis is vital. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, constipation, and bladder habits. The difference between these symptoms and ovarian cancer is in the type of cancer cells. Here are some of the common symptoms and how to diagnose them.
Usually, ovarian cancer begins in the fallopian tubes and then spreads to the ovaries, which produce female hormones. Although there are treatments available for ovarian cancer, they are most effective when the disease is detected early. It is also important to remember that many other conditions can mimic ovarian cancer symptoms. For this reason, if you have persistent symptoms, you should consult a healthcare professional immediately.
A biopsy is a test that can determine the type of cancer that has spread. The results of the test will give you a better idea of the type of treatment you’ll need to pursue. In the early stages, a hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, or ovary and fallopian tube preservation are possible treatment options. Later on, more complex surgery may be required. As you age, your doctor will determine the type of cancer and the treatment that’s best suited for you.
The treatment of ovarian cancer is a multifaceted process. Environmental, immune, and genetic factors all play a role in the development of the disease. While approximately 20% of women develop ovarian cancer with a variant of the BRCA gene, the NORD report on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome does not cover this genetic group. Despite the fact that this report has been published, the results are not yet conclusive.
Genetic tests are another way to determine if you have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. You can have a blood test called CA-125 to see if you have an elevated level of this protein. However, the results of this blood test are not accurate in younger women because many other diseases can raise CA-125 levels. This test is often inaccurate and not reliable as a screening tool for ovarian cancer. In addition, many other disease processes, including diverticulitis, pregnancy, irritable bowel syndrome, and liver and stomach disorders, can elevate the CA-125 level, making it ineffective.
A new class of medications is aimed at blocking the PARP enzyme, which helps cancer cells repair DNA. Because PARP is important in cells with the BRCA gene mutation, medications that block it may prevent cancer cells from repairing themselves and spreading. This is a targeted therapy, meaning the drugs don’t damage healthy cells in the process. This type of drug has shown great promise and is now a common choice for treatment. A variety of drugs are available for ovarian cancer.
Other factors associated with ovarian cancer include a high-fat diet, having multiple children, smoking, using fertility drugs, and talcum powder on the genital area. In addition, ovarian cancer risk increases as people get older. After age 35, it increases dramatically. It peaks in people between 75 and 79 years old. For men, using fertility drugs may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
