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Ovarian Cancer

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Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs that produce eggs. It is one of the most common types of cancer in women and can be deadly if not detected and treated early.Though it only makes up about 3% of all cancers in women, ovarian cancer is the cancer of the female reproductive system that results in the most deaths.There are three types of ovarian cancer:

  1. Epithelial ovarian cancer: is the most frequent type of ovarian cancer, accounting for 85% to 89% of cases. The epithelial cells on the ovary’s surface are where it develops.

  2. Germ cell ovarian cancer: It makes up just around 5% of cases of ovarian cancer, making it a rare kind. The cells that make the eggs in the ovaries are where germ cell cancers begin. This cancer typically affects just one ovary and is most prevalent in adolescent girls and young women.

  3. Stromal cell ovarian cancer: begins in the tissues that hold the ovarian tissues together and make female hormones. 10% of ovarian cancers and 5- 10% of breast cancers are caused by the often hereditary disorder known as familial breast-ovarian cancer syndrome. Study shows a connection between ovarian and breast cancer. Each woman who has experienced one of these cancers is more likely to experience the other.

Causes:

The exact causes of ovarian cancer are not fully understood, but there are certain risk factors that may increase a woman’s chances of developing the disease. Some of the most common risk factors include:
  • Age: Ovarian cancer is more common in women over the age of 50.
  • Family history: Women who have a close relative (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) with ovarian cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease.
  • Inherited gene mutations: Women who inherit certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
  • Hormone replacement therapy: Some studies have suggested that long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

Symptoms:

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. This is why it is important to pay attention to any signs or symptoms that may be associated with ovarian cancer. Some of the most common symptoms include:
  • Abdominal bloating or swelling
  • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Frequent or urgent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain
  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Constipation
It is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions and may not necessarily indicate the presence of ovarian cancer. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your doctor.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of ovarian cancer typically involves several tests and procedures, which may include:
  • Physical examination: The doctor will examine the pelvis and abdomen for any lumps or masses.
  • Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI or PET scan can help detect the presence of ovarian tumors.
  • Blood tests: Blood tests such as CA-125 and HE4 can detect the levels of tumor markers in the blood. These markers may be elevated in women with ovarian cancer.
  • Biopsy: In a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is taken from the ovary and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells.

Treatment:

Treatment of ovarian cancer typically involves surgery and chemotherapy. The type and extent of surgery depend on the stage of cancer and the extent of spread. The aim of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, and in some cases, the ovaries, uterus, and other surrounding tissues may also be removed.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given before or after surgery. The choice of chemotherapy drugs and the duration of treatment depend on the stage of cancer and the response to treatment.
In some cases, targeted therapy may also be used to treat ovarian cancer. This involves drugs that specifically target cancer cells and spare healthy cells.

Prevention::

There is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer, but there are some steps women can take to reduce their risk:
  1. Birth control pills: Using birth control pills can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
  2. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Women who have had children and breastfed have a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
  3. Removal of ovaries: Women who have a high risk of ovarian cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease, may choose to have their ovaries removed as a preventive measure.
  4. Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Regular checkups and early detection are crucial in the treatment and management of ovarian cancer.