Few diseases are as frightening as cancer, no matter the type. Just hearing the word, many people start having thousands of bad thoughts about how difficult the disease is to overcome. It’s true that it’s not a simple disease, but things have improved, especially with the technological advances we have today. When detected early, diseases like ovarian cancer can be treated with high chances of cure, even though treatment is not easy to deal with. Some types of cancer affect only women, and it’s important to know how they develop and what symptoms they cause. That’s why today we’ll discuss everything you need to know about ovarian cancer.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovaries are part of the female reproductive system, responsible for producing sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone and also for egg production. Ovarian cancer arises from tumors appearing, usually silently and difficult to diagnose. For these and other reasons, it’s considered the most serious type of gynecological cancer. It can occur at any age, but is more common in older women over the age of 40. As in other types of cancer, it’s very difficult to establish a cause for this disease since it arises from diseased cells that quickly multiply and join together, forming tumors.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
There isn’t just one type of cancer in the ovary, but several. They are determined by the type of cell where the disease begins, so the treatment to be used will depend on the type of cancer that is developing. We can divide ovarian cancer into three types:
- Epithelial Tumors
- Stromal Tumors
- Germ Cell Tumors
We’ll outline below the main characteristics of each one and what differentiates them.
Epithelial Tumors
These are tumors that begin in the outer cells of the ovaries and are the most common among women, almost always benign, such as Berdeline tumors, which are rarer and less aggressive. However, there can also be malignant tumors, called Carcinomas, which are usually more aggressive and at high risk of metastasis.
Stromal Tumors
Stromal tumors initially appear in the cells that compose the tissues where hormones are produced. This is considered a rare type of ovarian cancer and most often arises in older women, although it can also appear in younger women. One symptom of this type of tumor is growth of facial and body hair.
Germ Cell Tumors
Germ cell tumors develop in the cells responsible for egg production. This is also considered a rare type of ovarian cancer and is almost always benign. One major difference of this type of cancer is that it mainly affects younger women, during their reproductive years.
Risk Factors
There are some risk factors that may make it more likely for this type of cancer to appear. It is common for women with these factors to develop ovarian cancer, but it is not a rule and does not mean it will happen to you. However, if you fit these factors, it’s very important to have regular checkups with a gynecologist and talk about the possibility of developing this type of cancer. The main risk factors for ovarian cancer are:
- Family history, especially when a first-degree relative has already had the disease;
- Genetic syndromes, especially mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes;
- Obesity and smoking;
- Use of IUD (intrauterine device);
- Hormone replacement therapy, especially during menopause;
- Early onset of menstruation.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed in its early stage because most symptoms are confused with other less serious conditions. Therefore, it’s very important to repeat all gynecological exams at least once a year, and always see a doctor whenever you notice something unusual. Another key point is that, as we’ve seen, several types of tumors can develop in the ovaries and each one may have specific symptoms, but overall, the main symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
- Severe and constant abdominal pain;
- Abdominal swelling, ascites;
- Urinary disturbances;
- Irregular menstruation;
- Fatigue;
- Indigestion, diarrhea or constipation
As you can see, the symptoms are common and can indicate many gynecological issues and not necessarily ovarian cancer. In these cases, considering risk factors is important to decide if further tests are needed.
How is the Diagnosis Made?
As there are no screening tests for this type of cancer, diagnosis begins during routine consultations with a specialist, through a pelvic exam aimed at detecting anomalies in the uterus and ovaries. If anything is found, the doctor will order more tests, preferably imaging exams such as transvaginal ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans. Blood tests may also be ordered to diagnose ovarian cancer. With a blood sample, the CA125 protein is tested, which, when elevated, may indicate the disease. Finally, a biopsy of ovarian tissue may be required.
Ovarian Cancer Stages
Ovarian cancer has several stages, which are determined after surgery. Through this surgery, doctors will have a conclusive result and know the stage of the disease. The more advanced, the harder it is to cure. The stages are:
- Stage I: When the cancer is present only in the ovaries;
- Stage II: When the cancer is already found in other areas such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and uterine tubes;
- Stage III: When the cancer has spread to lymph nodes;
- Stage IV: When the cancer is already outside the pelvis, present in the lungs, liver, and other regions.
Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
There are various options for treating ovarian cancer, but several factors must be considered, the main one being the stage of the disease. Among the most common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and alternative treatments. Treatments include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
- Alternative Treatments
Let’s explain each of these treatment options in more detail below.
Surgery
Surgery is usually the most commonly used treatment, in which one or both ovaries and one or both fallopian tubes are removed. In some cases, a total hysterectomy may be necessary, where the entire uterus and cervix are removed.
Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
The number of chemotherapy sessions will depend on the stage of the disease since this treatment can be used to shrink the tumor or destroy it completely. A downside in this case is that chemotherapy tends to cause many side effects, such as nausea and kidney problems. Radiotherapy is not commonly used to treat this cancer, but it can be an alternative.
Alternative Treatments
Along with the main treatment prescribed by doctors, the patient may seek other methods to help relieve symptoms and the effects that treatments can cause. Activities such as acupuncture and yoga can be very useful. In all cases, it’s important to understand that the type of treatment chosen should be discussed not only among the medical team but also with the patient.
Possible Complications
The main complications of the disease are associated with more advanced stages when metastasis occurs. The tumor can spread to vital organs like the liver and lungs and cause various problems due to the deficiency of these organs.
How to Prevent Ovarian Cancer?
As mentioned before, there isn’t a screening test for ovarian cancer, but it can still be discovered early and treated without major complications. To do this, it’s necessary to have regular gynecological checkups and keep up with routine examinations. Also, pay close attention to any abnormal signals your body may send. Besides, since obesity and smoking can put you in a risk group, try to maintain a more balanced and healthy diet and give up smoking. These practices help not only to prevent and detect ovarian cancer early, but also any other gynecological disease. Not knowing what to do when you discover you have a disease like ovarian cancer can be very scary, but with good medical support, you may realize the problem isn’t as serious as you feared. During treatment, it is important to keep a clear head and know that, although it is a serious disease, there are many cases of cure and various treatments that can help you. Learning to cope psychologically with the disease is a big step in your treatment, as you need to be mentally strong to fight this battle with all your strength. Also Read: Precocious Thelarche – What It Is, Causes and Symptoms Photo: Sheldahl
