There are two ovaries in the female reproductive system, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries, which are about the size of an almond, are responsible for the production of eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus via the fallopian tubes. Ovarian cancer is a group of diseases that begin in the ovaries or in the fallopian tubes and the peritoneum. Types of ovarian cancer include:
Epithelial ovarian cancer: This is the most common type. There are several subtypes of serous carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.
Stromal tumors: These rare tumors are typically detected at an earlier stage than other types of ovarian cancer.
Germ cell tumors: These uncommon ovarian cancers tend to strike at a younger age.
The type of cell in which cancer begins determines the type of ovarian cancer you have and aids your doctor in determining which treatments are most effective for you.
A swollen tummy or feeling bloated
Pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between your hips (pelvis)
No appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
An urgent need to pee or needing to pee more frequently
Indigestion
Constipation or diarrhea
Back pain
Feeling tired all the time
Losing weight without trying
These symptoms are extremely common and can be caused by a variety of conditions. If you have these symptoms more than twelve times per month, you should consult a doctor. Remember that the earlier cancer is detected, the more treatable it becomes.
There are numerous risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing a disease such as ovarian cancer.
Aging
Family history of ovarian cancer or inherited gene changes
Being overweight or obese
Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
Endometriosis
Age at which menstruation began and ended
Never having been pregnant
Pelvic exam: Examines the external genitalia, vagina, and cervix visually.
Imaging tests: Ultrasound or CT scans of your abdomen and pelvis, for example, may aid in determining the size, shape, and structure of your ovaries.
Blood test: To look for tumor markers that indicate ovarian cancer in the blood. They may include organ function tests, which can aid in determining overall health.
Surgery: Your doctor may not be able to be certain of your diagnosis until you have surgery to remove an ovary and have it tested for signs of cancer.
Gene testing: Examining a blood sample for gene changes that increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Once you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your gynaecological oncologist will use the results of your tests and procedures to determine the stage of your cancer.
Ovarian cancer is typically treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. In some cases, other treatments may be used.
Surgery: Ovarian cancer surgery includes removing one or both ovaries, with or without the uterus.
Chemotherapy: Often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, such as Albumin bound paclitaxel, Altretamine, Capecitabine, Cyclophosphamide, Etoposide, Gemcitabine, Ifosfamide, and Irinotecan.
Targeted therapy: A type of cancer treatment in which drugs are used to identify and attack cancer cells while causing little harm to normal cells, such as Bevacizumab and PARP inhibitors (poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase inhibitors) such as Olaparib, rucaparib, and niraparib.
Hormone therapy: The use of hormones or hormone-blocking drugs to treat cancer, such as LHRH agonists, Tamoxifen, and Aromatase inhibitors.
Radiation therapy: which includes external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy.
Immunotherapy.
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