What is ovarian cancer and how to diagnose it?
Ovarian cancer is a malignant process that originates from ovaries—the female reproductive organs that produce eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The vague character of its symptoms makes the cancer difficult to detect at an early stage. Symptoms can be mistakenly attributed to less serious conditions.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a condition where cancerous or malignant cells develop in the ovary. There are three primary types of ovarian cancer:
Epithelial Tumors: These start in the outer layer of the ovaries and are, hence the most common type—accounting for about 90% of ovarian cancers.
Germ cell tumors: These commence in the cells responsible for developing the eggs, so these are relatively less common types compared to the others. Generally, these tumors tend to be seen in younger population groups of females. Treatment success can be likely if detected early enough.
Stromal tumors: These start in the cells of the ovaries that produce hormones and are relatively rare. The characteristics of stromal tumours are that they tend to be diagnosed at earlier stages, as compared to epithelial ovarian tumours.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
One challenge to diagnose ovarian cancer is that its symptoms are relatively nonspecific and can be mimicked by those of other less serious conditions. However, early recognition of such symptoms can give a better chance of successful treatment. Common symptoms include:
Persistent bloating: since bloating comes and goes throughout the month.
Pelvic or abdominal pain: continuous or intermittent pain in the pelvis may be indicative of ovarian cancer.
Trouble eating, or feeling full quickly: Women with ovarian cancer often report an increasingly uncomfortable feeling of fullness and may have a decreased appetite.
Frequent or urgent urination: Ovarian cancer usually causes an increase in the frequency of urination and in urgency.
Changes in bowel movements: Constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea may be symptomatic of ovarian cancer.
Unintended Weight Loss: Weight loss that seems to have no cause for it.
Fatigue: Severe tiredness that doesn’t go away even after taking rest.
Menstrual Changes: Unexplained heavy and long-term bleeding, especially after menopause: this can be yet another symptom of ovarian cancer.
Some of these symptoms can be due to other causes as well but not only ovarian cancer. However, if they last for a few weeks or so, then healthcare professional help must be taken.
Causes and Risk Factors
It is note that the exact cause of ovarian cancer is not fully understood, yet it is found out that risk to it may really be increased due to some factors, some of which are the following:
Age: Its risk increases with age. Women from aged 50-60 are more likely to have this disease.
Family History: Its risk is greatly increased with the history of ovarian or breast cancer, especially with existence of genetic mutations in genes, namely BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Genetic: Inheriting these mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 greatly increases the chances of the disease.
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): Long-term use of HRT, especially after menopause, can increase the risk.
Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it can raise the risk for certain types of ovarian cancer.
Obesity: Women with obesity have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Reproductive History: Some of the risk factors that may contribute to exposure include women who have never been pregnant or who have first become pregnant after the age of 35.
How is Ovarian Cancer detected?
The diagnosis of ovarian cancer is typically multi-staged Reportedly the stages are as follows:
- Pelvic Examination: The medical care provider checks the size of the ovaries, determines the shape, and examines the ovaries for any consistency.
- Imaging Tests: These include detailed images of the body to determine the extent of the cancer.
- Ultrasound: Sound waves are used to present an outline of the ovaries, with the aim of determining masses or cysts in the ovaries.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): This presents detailed images of the body to ascertain the extent of the cancer.
- Imaging tests: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a diagnostic test that uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the ovaries and surrounding tissues.
- Blood tests: A CA-125 test is carried out to determine a protein that may be high in women who have ovarian cancer.
- Biopsy and Surgical Evaluation: If the tests suggest ovarian cancer, a biopsy or surgery is needed to confirm the diagnosis. This is done through the removal of a small portion of the ovarian tissue or of the entire ovary to be examined under the microscope.
Also Read: How to Detect Ovarian Cancer?
Where can I find assistance for Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
Ovarian cancer is serious and difficult to detect, yet understanding its symptoms, causes, and diagnosing methods can lead to earlier detection and, therefore better treatment outcomes. If you have any persistent symptoms, from bloating or abdominal pain to changes in urinating or bowel movements, then do seek advice from a doctor. The earlier it is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.
For over 20 years, Dr Mustafa Aldam has been dedicated to treating women suffering from ovarian cancer, alleviating their painful and often debilitating symptoms. Known for their exceptional care and commitment to patient well-being, Dr Mustafa’s practice attracts women from around the globe seeking treatment from our highly skilled team of experts.
Contact us today to discuss how we can diagnose ovarian cancer.