What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries. The ovaries are two small organs located on each side of a woman’s uterus. They produce eggs and female hormones. Ovarian cancer can be hard to detect early because it often doesn’t cause obvious symptoms until it has spread.

What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Many women do not experience symptoms in the early stages of ovarian cancer. As the cancer progresses, some common symptoms may include:

• Bloating: Feeling full and bloated is a common symptom.
• Pelvic or Abdominal Pain: This might feel like cramping or pressure in the lower belly.
• Trouble Eating: You might feel full quickly when eating.
• Frequent Urination: Needing to pee often can be a sign.
• Fatigue: Feeling very tired without a clear reason.
• Upset Stomach or Indigestion: Feeling sick to your stomach or having indigestion.
• Back Pain: Unexplained back pain that doesn’t go away.

If you experience these symptoms for more than a few weeks, it’s important to see a doctor. Early detection can make a big difference in treatment outcomes.

How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing ovarian cancer usually involves several steps:

1. Pelvic Exam: The doctor will check for lumps or changes in the ovaries and other organs.
2. Imaging Tests: Tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs help visualize the ovaries and detect tumors.
3. Blood Tests: A common blood test for ovarian cancer is the CA-125 test, which looks for a protein that is often higher in women with ovarian cancer.
4. Biopsy: If a tumor is found, a small sample may be taken to look for cancer cells under a microscope.

What Are the Main Types of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer can start in different parts of the ovaries. The three main types are:

1. Epithelial Tumors: These start on the outer surface of the ovary and are the most common type.
2. Germ Cell Tumors: These start from the cells that produce eggs and are less common.
3. Stromal Tumors: These start from the structural tissue cells that hold the ovary together.

Each type can behave differently and might need different treatments.

What Are the Stages of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is classified into four stages, depending on how far the cancer has spread:

1. Stage I: Cancer is only in one or both ovaries.
2. Stage II: Cancer has spread to other parts of the pelvis.
3. Stage III: Cancer has spread to the abdomen.
4. Stage IV: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

Understanding the stage helps doctors plan the best treatment.

What Are the Common Treatments for Ovarian Cancer?

Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the type and stage. Common treatments include:

• Surgery: Doctors remove as much of the tumor as possible. This may include removing one or both ovaries, the uterus, and nearby tissues.
• Chemotherapy: This uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given before or after surgery, depending on the cancer’s stage.
• Targeted Therapy: These drugs attack specific parts of cancer cells. They might be used if the cancer comes back.
• Radiation Therapy: This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, although it’s less common for ovarian cancer.

What Are the Side Effects of Ovarian Cancer Treatment?

Treatments for ovarian cancer can have side effects. These can vary depending on the treatment type:

• Surgery: May cause pain, infection, or changes in how your body looks or feels.
• Chemotherapy: Can cause nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and risk of infection.
• Targeted Therapy: May cause side effects like high blood pressure, tiredness, and diarrhea.
• Radiation Therapy: Can lead to skin changes, fatigue, and other localized effects.

Doctors work to manage side effects and help patients feel better during treatment.

What Is the Prognosis for Ovarian Cancer?

The prognosis for ovarian cancer depends on several factors, including the cancer’s stage and how well it responds to treatment.

• Early Stages: If caught early, ovarian cancer is more treatable and has a better prognosis.
• Later Stages: Advanced stages may be more challenging to treat, but new therapies continue to improve outcomes.

Regular follow-ups and check-ups are crucial for monitoring health and managing any recurrence.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Ovarian Cancer?

While there’s no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer, some factors might reduce the risk:

• Birth Control Pills: Using oral contraceptives for several years may lower the risk.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Having children and breastfeeding may provide some protection.
• Surgery: In high-risk women, surgeries like tubal ligation or hysterectomy might reduce risk.

Discuss your risk factors and preventive options with your doctor.