Ovarian cancer symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment

Ovarian cancer starts in the cells on or inside the ovaries. The ovaries are almond-sized organs that produce eggs. Early symptoms tend to be mild, which lets the cancer spread to other pelvic organs, including the fallopian tube, before it's detected sadly.

Ovarian cancer can develop at any age in women, but it may be more common as women get older, especially after menopause.

This article will cover ovarian cancer symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Ovarian cancer symptoms

About 65% of ovarian cancer cases in women are diagnosed at an advanced stage. This is because early symptoms are vague and not clear signs of the disease, giving ovarian cancer the nickname 'the silent killer.'

Early symptoms of ovarian cancer

In early ovarian cancer stages, symptoms tend to be somewhat vague and can easily be signs of other health issues.

Early ovarian cancer symptoms may include:

• Bloating.

• Stomach pain.

• Trouble eating.

• Feeling full quickly.

• Frequent urination.

Advanced ovarian cancer symptoms

Advanced ovarian cancer symptoms can include:-

• Frequent gas.

• Indigestion.

• Nausea.

• Changes in bowel habits, Constipation or Diarrhea.

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.

• Shortness of breath.

• Fatigue.

After menopause, symptoms can also include unusual vaginal discharge or vaginal bleeding.

Types of ovarian cancer

Worldwide, ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women, There are three main types of ovarian cancer, which are:-

1. Epithelial ovarian carcinoma

This type of ovarian cancer makes up about 90% of ovarian cancer cases. Epithelial ovarian cancer starts in the cells on the outside surface of the ovaries.

2. Stromal tumors

This type accounts for around 7% of ovarian cancer cases. Stromal tumors start in the cells that produce eggs.

3. Germ cell tumors

This rare type of ovarian cancer happens in women under 30 years old.

Causes of ovarian cancer

There is no clear cause for ovarian cancer. Genetics, environment, and lifestyle might play a role. Still, several factors raise the risk of getting this cancer.

Risk factors for ovarian cancer include:-

• Having a family history of ovarian cancer.

• Having specific gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, or those linked to Lynch syndrome.

• Having a personal history of breast, uterine, or colon cancer.

• Having endometriosis.

• Struggling with fertility problems or never having children.

Besides these risks, the chance of ovarian cancer goes up with age. It’s rare under 40 and about half the cases happen around age 63 or older.

Having these risk factors doesn’t mean a woman will definitely get ovarian cancer, and it can happen even without clear risk factors.

Stages of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is divided into four stages, These stages include:-

• Stage One:- This stage means the cancer is in one or both ovaries.

• Stage Two:- This stage means the cancer has spread to another place in the pelvic area.

• Stage Three:- This stage means the cancer has spread to one or more places in the abdomen.

• Stage four:- This stage means the cancer is advanced and has spread to distant parts of the body.

How to diagnose ovarian cancer

Diagnosis usually starts with the healthcare provider taking the woman's medical history and doing a full physical exam. There are many tests that can be done to diagnose ovarian cancer.

Tests to diagnose ovarian cancer include:-

- Ultrasound and imaging tests

Transvaginal ultrasound uses sound waves to get pictures of the abdominal organs, including the ovaries. Other imaging tests that can help detect ovarian cancer include:-

• CT scan.
• Magnetic resonance imaging MRI.
• Positron emission tomography PET.

- Blood tests

The blood test cancer antigen 125 or CA-125 checks for epithelial ovarian cancers. A high antigen level can be a sign of ovarian cancer.

Also, other blood tests can help detect other cancer types, like checking HCG and inhibin for some germ cell tumors that form in the egg cells in the ovary.

Besides that, CEA and CA19-9 tests check for rare subtypes of mucinous ovarian cancers, which are large fluid-filled cells.

- Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy needs a small cut in the lower belly. Through this cut, a healthcare provider can see the ovaries and nearby area with a thin lighted tube. Also, a small hysteroscope can be used to assess and confirm ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Ovarian cancer treatment depends on many factors and the cancer stage at diagnosis. Available treatment options may include a mix of several types of therapies.

Ovarian cancer treatment options can include:

1. Surgery

The goal of surgery is to remove as much cancer as possible, andTypes of surgeries for ovarian cancer can include:-

• Removal of the fallopian tube and ovary, aiming to remove one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• HysterectomyAimed at removing the uterus and cervix.
• OmentectomyAimed at removing the tissues lining the abdominal wall.
• Lymph node biopsyAimed at checking if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
• Organ removalAimed at doing surgeries to remove other organs where the cancer has spread, like the bladder or spleen.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can destroy or reduce cancer cells throughout the body. It may be recommended for leftover cancer cells after surgery, for advanced cancer, or to help prevent cancer from coming back.

3. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses X-rays to kill cancer cells. Ovarian cancer treatment may include IP radiation, where radioactive fluid is put into the abdomen through a catheter.

4. Targeted therapy

Targeted treatments attack specific traits of cancer cells, andTargeted therapy options for ovarian cancer may include:-

• angiogenesis inhibitors.
• PARP inhibitors.
• NTRK inhibitors.

5. Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is used to block hormones that help cancer grow. It can work for ovarian tissue tumors but is rarely used for epithelial ovarian cancer.Hormone therapy options may include:-

• GnRH agonists.
• Tamoxifen.
• Aromatase inhibitors.

Preventing ovarian cancer

There is no full way to prevent ovarian cancer since not all risk factors can be fixed, andBut these risks can be lowered by some steps like:-

• Keeping a healthy weight.

• Getting quick medical advice if symptoms appear, or if there's a family history of ovarian cancer or breast.

• Following balanced healthy diets.

• Doing regular physical activity.

In the end, if a woman thinks she might be at risk for ovarian cancer, she should get professional advice from a healthcare provider for proper early diagnosis to help with full treatment.

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