Ovarian Cancer

About Ovarian Cancer

Prior to recent research, it was thought that ovarian cancers solely developed in the ovaries, but it now appears that several ovarian cancers could actually develop in cells at the distal (farther) end of the fallopian tubes. The term “ovarian cancer” is frequently used to refer to malignancies that develop in the ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cells. The malignancies are treated similarly because they are closely related to one another.

Risk Factors & Prevention

Women of ages 50 and older are at a higher risk of having ovarian cancer.

Some risk factors are:

• Having an excessive weight
• Delayed childbearing or never experienced a full-term pregnancy
• Hormonal therapy following menopause
• Having ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer in the family
• Smoking

How it can be prevented?

• Breastfeeding
• Child-bearing
• Birth control pills
• Procedures to remove the ovaries

Screening

Screening exams for Ovarian cancer help detect cancer at an early stage. The likelihood of successful treatment is increased by early diagnosis. 94% of patients with ovarian cancer who are diagnosed early survive the condition for more than 5 years.

Screening tests are as follows:

• Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS)
• CA-125 blood test

Symptoms & Signs

• Bloating sensation
• Stomach (abdomen) or pelvic pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling satisfied quickly
• Urgency or frequency of urination
• Severe fatigue
• Experiencing a backache
• Constipation
• Stomach (belly) swelling accompanied by weight loss

Diagnosis

Ovarian cancer diagnostic tests determine whether you have the disease and how aggressive it may be.

Tools and tests include:

• Abdominal-pelvic examination
• CA-125 assay
• CEA
• Biopsy
• CT Chest + abdomen +pelvis
• PET-CT scan
• Transvaginal ultrasound

Sub-Types and Stages

• Epithelial ovarian tumor
• Borderline Epithelial Tumors
• Malignant epithelial ovarian tumors
• Serous carcinomas
• Clear cell carcinoma
• Mucinous carcinoma
• Endometrioid carcinoma
• Germ cell malignancies
• Dysgerminomas
• Teratoma
• Endodermal sinus tumors
• Embryonal carcinomas
• Granulosa cell tumors
• Fallopian tube cancer
• Primary Peritoneal cancer

Stages

Treatment Modalities

Coping with Treatment

Along with the medical side effects of ovarian cancer therapy, patients also deal with the financial burden of cancer care and the emotional and social impacts. Talking to a counselor, or family member can help them to cope with treatment. MOC provides facility of psycho Onco-Counseling and Nutritional counseling to help patients.

Do’s & Don’ts During Treatment

Do’s

• Consume a balanced diet
• Keep a healthy weight

Don’ts

• Prevent potential muscle loss
• Avoid raw or undercooked meat or seafood
• Refrain from fatty, oily foods

Post-Treatment Support

Post-treatment ovarian cancer survivors can go through long-term side effects of surgery, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. They can also have symptoms such as Infection, fatigue, hair loss, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and nerve problems. Survivors require empathy, mental strength, and support from their families, they can also join ovarian cancer Post-Treatment Survivorship Support Groups.

Follow-ups Cancer Care Plan

Post-treatment one must request a follow-up treatment plan. Doctors provide a personalized treatment plan based on the type and stage of cancer.

Surveillance and monitoring for Signs & Symptoms of Recurrence

One aim of follow-up care is checking for a recurrence. One should never miss follow-up visits and never ignore any symptoms of recurrence. Because some cancer cells may remain undiscovered in the body in small locations that don’t respond to treatment, cancer can reoccur. A physician who is knowledgeable about your medical history can provide you with personalized information regarding your risk of recurrence during follow-up care.

FAQs

1. What symptoms indicate ovarian cancer?

   Early stages of ovarian cancer do not exhibit any observable signs.

2. Where is ovarian cancer likely to spread?

   Your surgeon will examine the tissues and organs nearby the suspicious ovarian tumor to see if cancer has spread there.

3. Is there a bump on your body from ovarian cancer?

   An ovarian mass won’t be visible to you on your own. Your doctor may conduct an internal pelvic exam during a screening, which entails sticking a gloved hand into the genitalia.