What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is any cancerous growth that may occur in any part of the ovary. Ovaries are the reproductive glands in females. Reproductive eggs (ova) as well as the female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are formed in the ovaries. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and control the development of various female characteristics.
The ovaries are made up of 3 main kinds of cells and each of these types of cells can develop into a different type of tumour:
- Epithelial cells, which cover the ovary. The tumour begins in the outer surface of the ovary. Most ovarian tumours are epithelial cell tumours.
- Germ cells, which are found inside the ovary and develop into the eggs. The tumours start from the cells that produce the eggs.
- Stromal cells, the structural tissue holding the ovary together and producer of most of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Stromal tumours start from structural tissue cells
Most of these tumours are benign and never spread beyond the ovary. They can be treated by removing either the ovary or the part that contains the tumour. Ovarian tumours that are malignant tumours can spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal. Ovarian cancer more commonly occurs in women aged 65 or over, but can affect women of any age.
Symptoms
In its early stages, ovarian cancer often has symptoms which are difficult to recognize. The symptoms persist and gradually worsen, differentiating it from other digestive disorders. Also, these symptoms are more constant and steadily advancing.
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A few possible early symptoms are,
- Pain in the lower side of the body
- Back pain
- Indigestion or heartburn
- More frequent and urgent urination
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
If case of bloating, pressure or pain in the abdomen or pelvis that persists for more than a few weeks you should see a doctor immediately.
Likely Risk Factors
The risk factors for ovarian cancer are,
- Family history of cancer.
- It generally develops in women above 65 years of age.
- Number of total lifetime ovulations is inversely proportional to the cancer risk.
- Early start of menstruation and a late menopause increase ovarian cancer risk.
- Hormone replacement therapy.
- Obesity
- Infertility and its treatment.
Detection & Treatment
Identifying the stage and grade of the cancer the doctor will be able to decide on the best treatment. Tests like ultrasound, laparoscopy, colonoscopy, etc. can be carried out for detection.
Treatment for ovarian cancer consists of surgery, chemotherapy, a combination of surgery with chemotherapy, and sometimes radiotherapy. The kind of treatment depends on many factors, including the type of ovarian cancer, its stage and grade, as well as the general health of the patient.
The surgical removal of the cancerous tumour is often the first treatment that a patient undergoes.
Next is Chemotherapy which uses medication for the destruction of cancer cells which surgery could not or did not remove.
