Ovarian Cancer

What is Ovarian Cancer?

This leads to the formation of tumors. This tumor can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). The basic difference between both these types of tumors is that benign does not spread to other parts of the body whereas malignant tumor is capable of spreading. The disease can be cured if it is detected in early stages or it may spread to other parts of the body. It can affect women and transgender men.

The female reproductive system is made up of a vulva, vagina, womb or uterus, fallopian tube, and a set of ovaries. The risk of developing this disease increases as people get older. It is difficult to detect this disease in the early stages as it does not show any symptoms in the first two stages.

Basic Facts to be known about Ovarian Cancer

● Ovarian cancer stands in 6th position to be the most common cancer found in women.

● Approximately 75,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK.

● Around 2.5% of women across the world get diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually.

● In a recent report, Ovarian Cancer has been ranked in the top 3 cancers in India. Around 47,333 cancer cases and 32,978 deaths have been reported in India in 2022.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer does not get detected in the early stages. The symptoms are usually observed in 3 and 4 stages. Moreover, the symptoms shown in the early stages are similar to other medical problems. These symptoms are listed below:

● Increased urge of urination

● The vaginal discharge becomes abnormal

● discomfort or pain in the abdomen, lower back, and pelvic area

● Indigestion

● Nausea

● Weight loss without any known reason

● Swelling in the abdomen area

● Appetite becomes poor

● Sudden vaginal bleeding

● Feeling tired without any physical work

● Changes in bladder habits

● Abnormal menstrual cycle

Factors responsible for causing Ovarian Cancer

There are various factors responsible for Ovarian cancer, which include genetic, external, and internal. The cancer cells start to grow when there is a change in the genetic makeup of DNA. The uneven cells come together and form a tumor which can spread to other parts of the body if not detected in early stages. These factors are:

● Genetic Mutation: These changes take place in genetic material that can result in cancer disease. Any mutation in the specific genes increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

● Age: the chances of getting diagnosed with ovarian cancer increase as the women age. Women above 60 years of age are more prone to get diagnosed with cancer.

● Family history: In some cases, cancer runs in family history, which is considered one of the major factors in developing ovarian cancer.

● Menarche: When the menstruation cycle stops at an early age, there are chances that such women can get diagnosed with cancer.

● Growth of abnormal tissue: When the tissue from the lining of the uterus starts growing outside, the risk of developing cancer in such a condition is high.

● External factors: Various external factors like taking hormonal replacement therapy, diabetes, and obesity can lead to ovarian cancer. Smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol and tobacco can also result in such diseases.

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

STAGE 1: In this stage, cancer gets diagnosed in both the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

STAGE 2: The cancer cells have started spreading to the uterus and pelvis region.

STAGE 3: It is considered the advanced stage in which cancer has spread to the abdomen.

STAGE 4: It is the last stage of ovarian cancer. In this stage, the cancer has spread to different organs such as the lungs or liver. This stage cannot be treated but the symptoms of the disease can be reduced.

Methods of diagnosing Ovarian Cancer

Several methods have developed over time to diagnose ovarian cancer. These tests are performed to decide whether you need to see a specialist for that particular disease. These tests usually include:

● Physical Examination:Doctors examine the abdomen and pelvic region to check swelling.

● Blood tests (CBC): All blood cell parameters are checkedincluding the CA125 blood test.

● Ultrasound Scan: An ultrasound scan of the womb, ovaries, and the nearby area is performed.

● CT Scan: This test is performedusing a computer and X-rays to get an internal picture of the organ.

● Biopsy: In this test,a sample of abdominal fluid is taken to check the growth of cancer cells.

● PET Scan: Adetailed picture of the organ internally is created in this test.

● MRI: It provideselaborated images of organs, bones, muscles, and blood vessels.

● Laparotomy: A test that is performed to examine the sample of the infected tissue. This tissue is taken from inside the abdomen and pelvic area by giving anesthesia to the patient.

● Laparoscopy: In this test, a thin tube with light and a camera is inserted by making a small cut in the abdomen. While performing this test, a small sample is taken from the ovaries and the nearby area to detect signs of cancer.

Ways to prevent Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer can be prevented if we take care of our health externally and internally. Several steps can be taken can reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Some of the common ways are mentioned below:

● Pregnancy: Getting pregnant can reduce the chances of getting ovarian cancer.

● Breastfeeding: A breastfeeding woman has a low chance of developing this disease. More the breastfeeding time, the lower the risk of ovarian cancer.

● Contraceptives: Females who consume contraceptive medicine have lower chances of ovarian cancer development.

● Surgery: Removing the uterus from the body decreases the chances of getting cancer.

Treatment methods for Ovarian Cancer

Different medication and surgery options are available for treating ovarian cancer. These medicines are given in cycles which include specific days of treatment with a rest period. These treatments depend upon the stage of the cancer. The following options are available for treating this disease:

● Chemotherapy: Various medicines are given in this process for treating ovarian cancer. These drugs include Cisplastin 50mg Injection which is available at an affordable price on Magicine Pharma. This therapy reduces the size of the tumor by killing the cancer cells.

● Hormonal Therapy: Utilizing hormones for stopping the growth of cancer cells. These medicines block the synthesis of female hormones which are responsible for the growth of cancer cells. You can purchase these medicines from Magicine Pharma at reasonable prices.

● Radiation Therapy: Gamma rays are used to create a detailed and elaborated image of the affected organ.

● Immunotherapy: Drugs are prescribed tohelp the immune system fight against the cancer cells and prevent their growth.

● Targeted Drug Therapy: In this therapy, drugs are used to target specific molecules in cancerous cells.

FAQ's

1. What is the survival rate after ovarian cancer detection?

Around 70% of women survive after getting diagnosed with breast cancer for a minimum of 1 year.

2. Is it possible to cure ovarian cancer completely?

Yes, it is possible to cure ovarian cancer in the early stages as it has not spread to other parts of the body. This can be done with the help of surgery or chemotherapy.

3. What are the common symptoms observed in ovarian cancer?

Continuous abdominal pain or cramps, feeling exhausted most of the time, nausea, and indigestion are commonly observed symptoms of breast cancer.

4. Is there any blood test that can detect ovarian cancer?

Yes, CA125 is one of the blood tests considered as a tumor marker in case of ovarian cancer.

5. Can bleeding be observed in ovarian cancer?

Yes, bleeding can be seen after menopause, if the person is diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

References

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/understanding-ovarian-cancer-its-causes-symptoms-andscreeningmethods/article68627525.ece#:~:text=In%20India%2C%20ovarian%20cancer%20ranks,the%20gravity%20of%20the%20disease

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer

https://ocrahope.org/for-patients/gynecologic-cancers/ovarian-cancer/ovarian-cancer-statistics/#:~:text=Ovarian%20Cancer%20Lifetime%20Risk%20and,ovarian%20cancer%20is%2050.8%25%20percent.​​​​