What is Ovarian Cancer? Know the Causes, Early Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Cure

Ovarian cancer is a serious health concern affecting women worldwide. It happens when cancerous cells develop in the ovaries, which are reproductive organs that produce eggs and female hormones. Early ovarian cancer detection is essential for effective therapy. 

The signs of ovarian cancer are complicated and confused with those of other diseases. The likelihood of a successful outcome can be greatly increased by being aware of the potential symptoms, risk factors, and early detection techniques. Early diagnosis can be helped by routine medical checkups, leading a healthy lifestyle, and being aware of your family history. 

Symptoms

Ovarian cancer is frequently referred to as the “silent killer” because its symptoms are hazy and readily confused with those of other illnesses. Bloating in the abdomen, pelvic pain, frequent urination, appetite loss, unexplained weight loss or increase, exhaustion, and changes in bowel habits are a few typical symptoms. It is significant to remember that non-cancerous illnesses might also be responsible for these symptoms. However, it is advised to speak with a healthcare provider for further assessment if these symptoms last for several weeks.

Causes

Although there is no known cause for ovarian cancer, there are a number of things that can make a woman more vulnerable to the disease. These include having ovarian or breast cancer in the family, having certain gene mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2), becoming older, being obese, having hormonal issues, and having certain reproductive disorders such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is crucial to know that even while possessing these risk factors increases the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer, women without them can still be given the disease’s diagnosis.

Early Diagnosis

For ovarian cancer to be successfully treated, early detection is essential. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to identify because there aren’t any clear symptoms in the early stages. Early detection techniques include transvaginal ultrasounds, routine pelvic exams, and blood tests that check the levels of the tumour marker CA-125. For women who have ovarian or breast cancer in their family history, genetic testing may also be advised. Additional diagnostic procedures, such as biopsies and imaging tests, may be carried out to confirm the diagnosis if any abnormalities are found.

Cure and Treatment Options

The stage of ovarian cancer, general health, and personal preferences are some of the variables that affect ovarian cancer treatment. Surgery is typically the first course of treatment, with the goal of removing the tumour and any damaged tissues. The uterus, fallopian tubes, one or both ovaries, as well as any adjacent lymph nodes, may all be removed. Chemotherapy may be used after surgery in more severe cases to eradicate any cancer cells that remain. In some circumstances, targeted therapy and hormone therapy are also applied. Additionally, medical progress has produced cutting-edge therapeutic modalities including immunotherapy and PARP inhibitors, which exhibit promising outcomes in some circumstances.