Ovarian or Ovary cancer refers to a cancerous growth that starts in the ovaries. Ovary as you all know is a part of the woman’s body that produces eggs. Ovarian Cancer/Ovary Cancer is the 5th most common cause of death related to cancer in the USA among females.
In this article, we will read about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of ovary cancer.
Symptoms of Ovary Cancer:
Most of the ovary cancers begins in the epithelium which is outer lining of the ovary. Some of the early symptoms of Ovary cancer are as follows;
- Pressure or pain in the pelvis region
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pain in the abdomen and back
- Bloating
- Feeling full quick when eating food
- More frequent urination
- Changes in the bowel habits
Causes & risk factors of Ovary Cancer:
Ovary cancer develops when cells in the ovary region of the body divide & they multiply in an uncontrolled manner. The reason as to why ovary cancer happens is still not clear, but the experts have identified some of the factors;
Family History; Having someone in the family with a history of ovary or CA Breast increases an individual’s chance of developing this disease.
Age- Around 50 percent of ovary cancer cases occur after 63 years of the age.
Reproductive History; One or more than one full term pregnancies is associated with lower risk of cancer of the ovary. More the number of pregnancies a female has, lower is the risk. Breastfeeding can also reduce the risk.
Breast cancer; Patient with a history of breast cancer are at higher risk of developing ovary cancer. This may be as result of changes in BRCA gene. And this is the reason some people with CA Breast who test positive for this gene mutation do opt to undergo a procedure called oophorectomy(surgery to remove the ovaries) as a preventive therapy.
Hormone therapy; Undergoing HRT after menopause appears to add on to the risk of getting ovary cancer.
Obesity & Overweight; Ovary cancer is found more common in individuals with BMI over 30.
Gynecology surgery; Having the surgery for removal of uterus called hysterectomy, may help to reduce the risk of ovary cancer by 1/3.
Stages of Ovary Cancer;
Incase a doctor diagnoses ovary cancer, Doctor will need to find out the stage and grade to make a final line of treatment of the patient.
The stage of disease refers to how far disease has spread. Please find below examples for your better understanding;
Localized: In this stage, the Cancer cells have affected only ovaries or the fallopian tubes and other than these areas it has not spread anywhere else.
Regional: In this stage the disease has spread to nearby organs.
Distant: In this particular stage, the disease has spread to distant organs.
Diagnosis of Ovary Cancer:
If detailed clinical assessment or symptoms suggest that an individual may have ovary cancer, Specialists may request for;
- Personal and the family medical history
- Can do a pelvic examination
Specialists may also suggest following;
- Blood Tests: These blood tests will check the high levels of makers.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, MRI and CT scan.
- Laparoscopy: This can be performed by a Specialists to see the ovaries and a biopsy can also be done by collecting tiny tissues. Bottom of Form
Treatment of Ovary Cancer;
The Treatment of ovary cancer will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Type, stage, and grade of the disease
- Age &overall health
- Accessibility & the affordability of medical treatment
The treatment options include Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy and Immunotherapy etc.
