What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the
ovaries, the reproductive glands found in women. These glands are responsible for producing eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen, making it more complicated to treat and more lethal.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
There are several types of ovarian cancer, classified by the type of cell where the cancer begins: Epithelial Tumors: These begin in the thin layer of tissue that covers the outside of the ovaries. They account for about 90% of ovarian cancers.
Germ Cell Tumors: These begin in the egg-producing cells and are rare.
Stromal Tumors: These develop in the hormone-producing tissues within the ovary and are also infrequent.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer: Age: The risk increases as you get older, particularly after menopause.
Genetics: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increase the risk.
Family History: A family history of ovarian cancer can increase your risk.
Reproductive History: Never being pregnant increases the risk.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been linked to a slightly increased risk.
Symptoms
Early-stage ovarian cancer rarely causes any symptoms. Advanced-stage ovarian cancer may cause few and nonspecific symptoms that are often mistaken for more common benign conditions: Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
Because these symptoms are quite common and can be caused by many other less serious conditions, ovarian cancer is often not diagnosed until it has spread.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ovarian cancer typically involves several steps: Pelvic Examination: A doctor examines the ovaries and nearby organs for lumps or other changes.
Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or CT scans can help visualize the ovaries and detect abnormalities.
Blood Tests: A blood test for the cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) can help in diagnosis, although elevated levels are not specific to ovarian cancer.
Biopsy: The definitive diagnosis is made by surgically removing a sample of tissue and examining it under a microscope.
Treatment Options
Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the stage and type of the cancer: Surgery: The primary treatment usually involves removing the cancerous growths. This can include removing one or both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and sometimes the uterus.
Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells. This is often used after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells but can also be used before surgery to shrink tumors.
Radiation Therapy: This is less common but may be used in certain situations to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
Targeted Therapy: These drugs target specific weaknesses in cancer cells, such as mutations in the BRCA genes.
Prognosis
The prognosis for ovarian cancer varies widely depending on the stage at diagnosis and the overall health of the patient. Early-stage ovarian cancer has a much better prognosis compared to advanced-stage ovarian cancer. Regular follow-up and monitoring are crucial for managing the disease.Prevention
While there is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer, certain factors can reduce the risk: Using birth control pills
Having children
Breastfeeding
Undergoing a
tubal ligation or
hysterectomy for non-cancerous reasons
Genetic counseling and testing if you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer
Ovarian cancer remains a serious and challenging disease, but advances in
research and
treatment options continue to improve outcomes for many women.
