Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones. It is the eighth most prevalent cancer in women, and it is frequently detected at an advanced stage when the cancer has gone beyond the ovaries.

Risk factors

Age: The risk of ovarian cancer rises with age, with the majority of occurrences occurring in women over the age of 50. Women aged 60 and up had the highest incidence.

Women having a family history of ovarian cancer, particularly first-degree relatives (such as a mother, sister, or daughter), are at a higher risk. Certain hereditary gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase the risk of getting ovarian cancer considerably.

Inherited gene mutations: In addition to BRCA1 and BRCA2, other gene mutations associated with an elevated risk of ovarian cancer include those in the Lynch syndrome genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) and RAD51C and RAD51D.

Personal cancer history: Women who have had breast, colorectal, or uterine cancer are more likely to acquire ovarian cancer.

Endometriosis, a disorder in which the tissue that lining the uterus develops outside of it, has been associated with an increased risk of certain forms of ovarian cancer, including clear cell and endometrioid ovarian cancer.

Hormone replacement treatment (HRT): Using estrogen-only HRT after menopause for an extended period of time may raise the risk of ovarian cancer. The use of mixed estrogen and progesterone HRT, on the other hand, does not appear to increase the risk.

Factors affecting a woman's ovulation or hormone levels, such as never having been pregnant, early menstruation, late menopause, and infertility, have all been linked to an increased risk.

Obesity: Obesity, defined as a BMI of 30 or higher, has been related to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. Tobacco use has been linked to an increased risk of mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer.

Symptoms:

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague and non-specific, especially in the early stages of the disease. It is crucial to note that these symptoms might be caused by illnesses other than ovarian cancer. However, if any of the following symptoms linger for more than a few weeks and are uncommon for you, you should see a doctor for additional assessment.

Bloating or swelling in the abdomen: Feeling full or bloated even after eating a small amount of food.

Pelvic pain or discomfort: Pain or pressure in the pelvic area, lower back, or abdomen that persists.
Changes in bowel habits: Sudden changes in bowel movements that last more than a few weeks, such as constipation or diarrhea.

Urinary symptoms include increased urination frequency or a continual urge to urinate.

Appetite loss or feeling full quickly: A considerable reduction in appetite or feeling satiated after eating little amounts of food.
Unexpected weight loss or gain: Losing or gaining weight without intending to.
Fatigue or low energy: Feeling unusually fatigued or lacking energy despite enough rest.

Irregularities in the menstrual cycle, such as more or lighter flow or changes in the frequency of periods, are examples of menstrual cycle alterations.

Dyspareunia is defined as pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Ovarian cancer diagnosis normally entails many steps to identify the presence of cancer, its stage, and its dissemination.

A pelvic examination is performed to check the size and shape of the ovaries as well as to discover any abnormalities.

Transvaginal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can offer detailed images of the ovaries and adjacent structures, assisting in the identification and assessment of tumors.

CA-125 blood tests assess the levels of a protein called CA-125, which is frequently increased in ovarian cancer patients. However, because CA-125 levels can be raised in a variety of diseases, this test is not specific to ovarian cancer. To aid in diagnosis, other biomarkers and genetic tests may be used.

Biopsy: A tissue sample is obtained from the ovaries or any suspicious areas to confirm the presence of cancer cells. This is usually done through surgery or, in some cases, through minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopy.

Staging:

When ovarian cancer is discovered, it is critical to assess the stage of the disease. The level of dissemination of ovarian cancer is staged, which helps guide treatment decisions. The FIGO (International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics) staging method is widely used and encompasses stages I through IV, with subcategories indicating the level of tumour involvement and metastasis.

Treatment:

The treatment of ovarian cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the histological type of the tumor, the woman's overall health, and her personal preferences.

Surgery is often the primary treatment for ovarian cancer. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as feasible, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, surrounding lymph nodes, and any other tissues or organs affected. In some circumstances, a hysterectomy (uterine removal) may be necessary.

Chemotherapy: Following surgery, chemotherapy is frequently prescribed to eradicate any leftover cancer cells and lower the risk of recurrence. It entails the administration of anti-cancer medications intravenously or directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal chemotherapy).

Targeted therapies, such as angiogenesis inhibitors or PARP inhibitors, are drugs that selectively target specific defects in cancer cells. These therapies can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or as a stand-alone treatment.

Radiation therapy: High-energy beams are used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It may be utilized in specific settings, such as palliative care to relieve symptoms or as adjuvant therapy in some cases.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals.