Home » Blogs » What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer means the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both ovaries, eventually forming cancerous cells.
It is often referred to as the ”silent killer” because its symptoms can be vague and easily ignored, leading to discovery in later stages.
Therefore, it is essential to recognize the symptoms of this cancer to visit a doctor and receive treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. However, if it spreads to other parts of the abdomen, it may cause the following symptoms:
Pelvic or abdominal pain, discomfort, or bloating.
Changes in eating habits, feeling full quickly, and loss of appetite.
Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation.
Unexplained weight loss.
Increased abdominal size.
The aforementioned symptoms may resemble those of other health conditions.
Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if they appear to receive appropriate tests and diagnosis.
What Causes Ovarian Cancer?
The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not yet known. However, some individuals have a slightly higher risk of developing this condition.
Risk factors for this case include:
A family history of ovarian cancer or inheriting a genetic mutation associated with cancer, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or Lynch syndrome.
Hormone replacement therapy after menopause: Using hormone therapy to alleviate menopausal symptoms may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Early onset of menstruation or late menopause, or both Never been pregnant can increase the likelihood of developing this cancer.
Tests and Procedures for Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer
If a doctor suspects ovarian cancer, they will ask about your symptoms and perform apelvic exam.
During this exam, they will check for any abnormal growths or enlarged organs.
They may also recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:
Imaging Tests
Tests such as ultrasound or CT scans can help assess the size, shape, and structure of the ovaries.
Blood Tests
A tumor marker tests like CA-125 is often performed. Elevated levels of CA-125 in the blood can indicate cancer. However, CA-125 levels can also be normal even when cancer is present.
For this reason, doctors use blood tests alongside other
examinations to diagnose ovarian cancer.
Biopsy
Sometimes, obtaining a tissue sample is necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Treatment for this cancer typically involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, with other treatments added as needed.
Surgery
Surgical options for treating this cancer include:
Oophorectomy
In early cases, cancer may be confined to one ovary and has not spread. In this case, surgery may involve removing the affected ovary and its associated fallopian tube.
This procedure may preserve the ability to conceive.
Salpingo-Oophorectomy and Hysterectomy
In advanced cancer cases, both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and the uterus, along with nearby lymph nodes and some fatty tissue in the abdomen, may be removed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves medications given to the patient aimed at killing cancer cells. It is often administered intravenously.
Immunotherapy
This aims to enhance the immune system’s ability to defend the body against cancer cells.
The treatment includes injections of substances that target and eliminate tumors.
This therapy may be beneficial in some cases of advanced ovarian cancer.