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Ovarian cancer form of cancer in which the normal cells inside the ovaries begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour or multiple tumours that sometimes spread to the rest of the body. Ovarian cancer is often difficult to detect early, as the symptoms can be nonspecific and appear similar to more common ailments. This blog will help you better understand ovarian cancer, what ovarian cancer is, the symptoms, risk factors, and how it is diagnosed. Being aware of the symptoms, risk factors, and causes of ovarian cancer will allow you to potentially discover abnormalities sooner. Understanding ovarian cancer and having prompt or timely treatment could help make a difference.
Synopsis
What is Ovarian Cancer?
The ovaries are two small reproductive organs in a woman’s body that make eggs and release important hormones that also play a role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Ovarian cancer happens when cells in the ovaries start to grow in an unusual and uncontrolled way. Sometimes these abnormal cells can spread to nearby areas if not found early. Because the signs can be quite vague and similar to other common health issues, ovarian cancer is often hard to spot in the beginning. Understanding what it is and being cognizant of potential symptoms can make a difference in finding help sooner.
Ovarian cancer has 4 stages, each describing the spread of cancer. Lower stages are less widespread and have higher chances of cure while higher stages are more widespread.
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Stage I: Cancer is confined to one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes. It may also be on the outer surface of the ovary.
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Stage II: The cancer has spread to nearby pelvic organs, such as the uterus or other structures in the pelvis.
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Stage III: Cancer has spread from the pelvic region to the abdomen or regional lymph nodes and possibly to other organs.
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Stage IV: The most advanced stage, when cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver, lungs, or chest lymph nodes.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer may be hard to notice in its earlier stages, because its symptoms often resemble typical health complaints. Still, knowing the common symptoms is very important.
Possible symptoms include:
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Persistent bloating or swelling in the tummy
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Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
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Ongoing stomach or pelvic pain
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Needing to urinate more often or urgently
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Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
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Unexplained tiredness or low energy
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Unexplained weight loss
Ovarian Cancer Risks
Certain factors may increase the chance of developing ovarian cancer. Having one or more of these does not mean you will definitely get the condition, but being aware helps you stay informed and proactive.
Ovarian cancer risk factors include:
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Age: Usually in women ages 50-plus and especially after menopause
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Family history: A close family member with a history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer would increase risk
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Inherited gene changes: For example, people with a mutation in the gene BRCA1 or BRCA2
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Endometriosis: A gynaecological disorder in which tissue like the lining of the uterus grows somewhere else in the body and is assocaited with certain types of ovarian cancer
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Never been pregnant: Women who have never had kids have a minimally increased risk
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Obesity: Being overweight can increase your overall risk of cancer
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Smoking
Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect early because there isn’t a reliable screening test for the general population. In other words, a diagnosis usually begins when a woman reports a symptom that is unusual or doesn’t go away.
If your doctor is worried you may have ovarian cancer, they will ask you about your health history and symptoms. They will do a pelvic examination to see if there is swelling or other abnormal changes in your ovaries.
Tests that could make your diagnosis are:
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Ultrasound scan: to look at your ovaries and the surrounding area
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CT scan or MRI scan: to take clearer images of your abdomen and pelvis
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PET scan: to check to see if cancer has travelled to other parts of your body
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Blood tests: sometimes for various markers that may be associated with ovarian cancer such as Ca125.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Treatment for ovarian cancer has one major focus, which is the maximum removal of the cancer as well as preventing recurrence. Treatment plans will vary by the stage of cancer, what you're healthy enough to endure, and your wishes.
Typical treatment regimens include the following:
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Surgery: The extent of the surgery depends on the stage of the disease. Removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus along with assessment of the lymph nodes in the abdomen is the standard surgical procedure. In more advacned diseases, other affected tissue/organs in the abdomen are also removed in a procedure called cytoreduction.
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Chemotherapy: These are medicines that are usually given intravenously to kill the cancer cells. They can be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) to decrease the size of the tumour or after surgery ( adjuvant) to reduce the risk of recurrence. HIPEC is one of the advanced methods where heated chemotherapeutic agents are instilled in the abdomen during surgery for direct effect on cancer cells to improve outcomes.
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Targeted therapies: Medicines that block specific changes in cancer cells and target the abnormal proteins/receptors expressed on the cancer cells to kill them / slow their growth. Example are Oral Tablets Called PARP inhibitors which are used in patients who carry a genetic defect with mutations such as BRCA mutations or IV injections called VEGF inhibitors (example: bevaiczumab) to block the blood vessel supply to the tumour cells.
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Hormonal therapies: These are chosen for some ovarian cancers to slow down their growth by blocking hormone related pathways.
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Radiotherapy: It is rarely used in ovarian cancers.
After treatment, follow-up appointments and terms of scans are important so that your medical team can monitor your recovery and be on the lookout for your cancer returning. If you do notice any new (or changing) symptoms, by reporting them early, you will be providing the best opportunity for your doctors to provide you with the best care.
Conclusion
Ovarian cancer can feel very scary. Finding out the signs, risk factors, and treatments are ways to gain some control. Early detection is important, so pay attention to any symptoms that are persistent or unusual and consult a physician as soon as possible. Continued follow-ups and monitoring after treatment will provide additional oversight to help catch any changes sooner rather than later. Turn to Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road for trusted ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Book a consultation with our experienced oncologists today to discuss symptoms, screening options, or personalized treatment plans. Your health deserves expert care.
FAQ's
There is no absolute method to prevent ovarian cancer, but a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checkups can help reduce risk.
Bloating and discomfort in your belly, or feeling full after eating only a small amount of food, can be signs to discuss with your doctor, as well as changes in your bathroom or bowel habits.
Women over the age of 50 are at a higher risk than younger women. You may be at higher risk if you have a family history of ovarian cancer or a gene defect like BRCA.
Ovarian cancer diagnosis is often first initiated with a pelvic examination; however, then usually involves imaging like an ultrasound or CT scan, with potentially blood tests to help confirm a diagnosis.
Yes, ovarian cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy, and if detected early stages, it can be very successful.
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