Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the ovaries, which are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs. It is one of the most common cancers in women. In this blog, we explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of ovarian cancer.
Causes of ovarian cancer
Although the exact cause of ovarian cancer isn’t known, there are some factors that increase the chances of developing ovarian cancer. These factors are:
Age: Ovarian cancer is more common in women who are over 50 years old.
Family history: Women with a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Inherited gene mutations: Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Endometriosis: Women who have endometriosis, a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, may be at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Hormone therapy: Some studies have suggested that long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Symptoms
These are the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer:
Pain or discomfort in the abdomen area or pelvis
Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating
Urinating frequently
Abdominal swelling or bloating
Changes in bowel habits
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Loss of appetite
Diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Because symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague, it can be difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer. However, if ovarian cancer is suspected, the following tests may take place:
Pelvic exam: During this exam, the doctor check for any lumps or abnormalities in the ovaries.
Transvaginal ultrasound: This examination produces pictures of the ovaries using sound waves.
Blood tests: A blood test can measure the level of a protein called CA-125, which is frequently high in women with ovarian cancer.
Biopsy: To check for cancer cells, a small sample of ovarian tissue is removed and analysed under a microscope.
Treatment
The treatment for ovarian cancer is dependent on the stage that the cancer is in, the woman's age and overall health, including other factors. The most common treatment options include:
Surgery: Surgery is often the first treatment for ovarian cancer. The goal is to remove as much of the cancer as possible.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to destroy cancer cells.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It’s not very common to use radiation therapy to treat ovarian cancer, but it may be used in certain cases.
Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific proteins on cancer cells to stop their growth or kill them.
In conclusion, ovarian cancer is a serious condition that can be challenging to diagnose and treat. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms listed or believe you may have ovarian cancer, speak with a doctor and they will take the necessary steps to protect your health. Early detection can make a big difference.
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