Symptoms
In the early stage, ovarian cancer will not have any symptoms which can make it difficult to detect. Some of the symptoms are:
- Frequent bloating
- Quickly feeling full when eating
- Problem eating
- Urgent need to urinate
- Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
The symptom’s effect is different from normal digestion or menstrual discomfort. They do not go away easily. In some cases, there can be additional symptoms like:
- Lower back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- A change in the menstrual cycle
- Indigestion
- Fatigue
- Severe Back pain
- Weight loss
- Vaginal bleeding
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Constipation
In case the symptoms do not go away within 2 weeks then seek medical advice right away.
Causes
Researchers are not sure what are the reasons behind the ovarian cyst. But, yes there are different factors that can increase the risk of developing cancer. However, even if you have those factors does not mean that you will develop cancer.
Cancer is formed in the body when cells start growing and multiply themselves abnormally. Still, the research is going on to find out which genetic mutation is responsible for this type of cancer. These mutations can be inherited from the parents or they can be acquired which means they can occur in your lifetime.
Tests
Some of the tests to diagnose the ovarian cancer are:
- Pelvic exam
During the pelvic exam, the doctor inserts gloved fingers into the vagina and press your abdomen with the hands to feel pelvic organs. Along with that, they will examine the vagina, external genitalia, and cervix.
- Imaging tests
It includes tests like a CT scan or ultrasound to examine the abdomen and pelvis. Additionally, it also helps to know about the shape, size, and structure of the ovaries.
- Blood tests
Blood tests will help to test the organ function as well as overall health.
Diagnosis
This cancer type is treated best at the early stage so make sure you get the diagnosis at the right time. But to detect this cancer is not easy. So, the doctor will do different tests that are mentioned above.
The ovaries are situated in the abdominal cavity so it is easy to feel you have a tumor. Well, there are no routine diagnoses available to determine cancer. This is why you should consult the doctor at the best ovarian cancer hospital to check if you have any issues.
Treatment
Mostly, the ovarian cancer treatment will include chemotherapy as well as surgery.
Surgery
- If the patient is at an early stage of cancer then one ovary is removed along with the affected fallopian tube.
- If the cancer is present in both ovaries then both are removed. In this case, you can get pregnant as the uterus is intact and you can use the option of frozen egg or embryo.
- If the cancer is extreme then both ovaries, as well as the uterus, are removed.
Chemotherapy
Strong drug treatment is used to kill the growing cancer cells in the body. In some cases, the drug is taken by mouth, injected in the vein, or into the abdomen.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is useful to target the vulnerabilities in the cancer cells. This is an active area in the department of cancer research.
If you have any doubts in your mind then talk to the doctor and discuss in detail the treatment along with ovarian cancer cost.
Stages
Stage 1
At this stage, the cancer is in the ovaries. The main treatment is surgery and sometimes chemotherapy is needed.
Stage 2
At Stage 2 cancer has grown outside the ovaries and grows within the pelvis. The treatment includes chemotherapy and surgery.
Stage 3
At stage 3 cancer spread outside the pelvis, abdominal cavity and to the lymph nodes. The treatment options are chemotherapy and surgery.
Stage 4
At stage 4 cancer has spread to other parts of the body like lungs or livers.
