Ovarian cancer contributes to more deaths than any other type of female reproductive system cancer. As estimated by the American Cancer Society, 21,410 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States in 2021. There are higher chances of curing ovarian cancer if it is diagnosed and treated in the early stages. This article is dedicated to raising awareness about the causes, signs, treatment, and prevention of ovarian cancer.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer begins in women’s ovaries which are almond-sized organs located on each side of their reproductive system. Ovaries are reproductive glands that produce eggs (ova) for reproduction. In ovarian cancer, cells in the ovaries start growing uncontrollably and form a tumor. There are early warning signs associated with ovarian cancer, but they are often unclear and easy to be missed. If not detected early, this cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the pelvis and abdomen.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Ovaries contain three types of cells, and each of them can develop different cancer, including:

• Stromal Tumors -Contributing to 7% of ovarian cancer, these tumors grow in the ovarian tissue containing hormone-producing cells and can be diagnosed at an early stage compared to other ovarian cancers.
• Epithelial Tumors -They contribute to 90% of ovarian cancer and begin in the thin layer of tissue covering the ovaries outside.
• Germ Cell Tumors -These rare tumors start in the egg-producing cells and tend to occur in younger women.

Causes and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer

While the exact cause of ovarian cancer is still unclear, these factors can increase your risk:

• Endometriosis
• A family history of ovarian cancer
• Late pregnancy or no history of pregnancy
• Genetic mutations of genes associated with ovarian cancer such as breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1), breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), and Lynch syndrome.
• Obesity
• Older age
• If you have previously had colon, breast, or uterine cancer
• Use of fertility drugs or hormone therapies
• Early menstruation or late menopause

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

The early symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• An increased urge to urinate
• Abdominal pain, bloating, and pressure
• Frequent urination
• Abnormal fullness after eating
• Weight loss

Progressing ovarian cancer causes other symptoms, including:

• Painful intercourse
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Weight loss
• Back pain
• Indigestion
• Dermatomyositis (a rare inflammatory disease that causes inflamed muscles, skin rash, and muscle weakness)
• Menstrual irregularities

Visit your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms that persist beyond a week.

Diagnostic Tests for Ovarian Cancer

Your doctor may perform the following tests to diagnose ovarian cancer:

• Pelvic Exam- Your doctor inserts gloved fingers into your vagina while pressing your abdomen to feel your pelvic organs. They also visually examine your external genitalia, cervix, and vagina to detect abnormalities.
• Blood Test- It is performed to measure CA-125 levels, which are used to assess treatment response for ovarian cancer and other reproductive organ cancers. However, uterine cancer, menstruation, and uterine fibroids can affect CA-125 levels.
• Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS)- This imaging test uses sound waves to detect tumors in the reproductive organs, including the ovaries.
• Biopsy- In this diagnostic test for ovarian cancer, your doctor removes a sample tissue from your ovary and analyzes it under the microscope for abnormalities.

How Is Ovarian Cancer Treated?

Your doctor may perform any of these treatments depending on your health condition and the spread of cancer.

Surgery

Your doctor will remove the tumor, uterus, one or both ovaries, fallopian tubes, nearby lymph nodes, and pelvic tissue, depending on how far your cancer has spread.

Chemotherapy

Generally, chemotherapy is recommended after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells using IV or oral drugs. Chemotherapy drugs are injected intravenously or consumed orally. During intraperitoneal chemotherapy, the medicines are injected directly into the abdomen.

Targeted Therapy

You are given medications that target specific vulnerabilities present in your cancer cells.These drugs are reversed to treat ovarian cancer that resists other treatments or reoccurs after initial treatment. Your doctor may test your cancer cells to determine the most effective targeted therapy.

How to Prevent Ovarian Cancer

These factors can lower your risk of ovarian cancer:

• Breastfeeding
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet
• Surgical procedures on your reproductive organs like a hysterectomy or tubal ligation
• Taking oral birth control pills
• Full-term pregnancy
• Avoiding hormone replacement therapy post-menopause

Contact our medical team at the Chesapeake Oncology Hematology Associates if you have any questions about ovarian cancer, other types of cancer, or blood diseases.

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