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Ovarian Cancer Basics Every Woman Should Know About

By Dr. Meenu Walia in Medical Oncology , Cancer Care / Oncology

Nov 08 , 2020 | 2 min read

The ovaries are located one on each side of the uterus and are similar in size of an almond. The function of ovaries is to store eggs and produce female hormones. Ovarian Cancer is an abnormal growth (a malignant tumour) of tissue in a woman’s ovaries. It is one of the fifth leading causes of cancer death in females. Older women who are over 60 years of age have a higher risk of falling prey to ovarian cancer (though it can occur at any age). If detected in the early stage, there are very high chances of it getting cured. Unfortunately, it’s hard to detect ovarian cancer in its early stage. Symptoms are more likely to be visible when it has spread beyond ovaries.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Feeling full quickly or trouble in eating
Bloating in the stomach
Heartburn or indigestion
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Pain during sex
Loss of appetite
Urinary symptoms including frequency and urgency
Sudden gain or loss in weight
While these indications may be due to other medical problems, if they remain persistent, it’s advisable to contact your healthcare advisor.

Causes of Ovarian Cancer

There have been many investigations conducted by the cancer hospitals in India around ovarian cancer. However, the exact ovarian cancer causes is still unknown. Researchers and scientists have not been able to find any chemical in the environment or diet related habit that can be directly linked to ovarian cancer. However, certain things can increase the odds of someone getting ovarian cancer.

Hereditary
If someone has never been pregnant/unexplained infertility
Early mensuration and late menopause
Had been through colorectal, uterine and breast cancer

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Distinguished by the kind of cells in which cancer starts, there are three main types –

Epithelial Ovarian Tumours –these are derived from the cells on the surface of the fallopian tube or ovary.
Germ cell Ovarian Tumours –these are derived from the egg producing cells
Cord-stromal Cell Ovarian Tumours – these are derived from the connective tissue within the ovary

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

Staging is described by the progression of the disease and how far and where a tumour has spread. It helps identify the treatment selection and how to take it further.

Stage 1 – The growth of a tumour is limited to the ovaries (one or both)

Stage 2 – In addition to the ovaries (one or both) a tumour has invaded to other areas including the uterus, fallopian tubes, colon or bladder.

Stage 3 –Tumour has spread into the abdomen or the lymph nodes as well.

Stage 4 –This stage occurs when a tumour spreads outside the abdominal cavity, such as the lungs or liver.

Making a treatment decision depends on the progression or the stage of the diseases. Using the results, the oncology department decides the best cancer treatment.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer can be diagnosed through several tests. These tests usually happen when your doctor while performing a pelvic exam identifies an enlarged ovary. In such a situation, you may need to get blood tests, pelvic ultrasound, laparoscopy, and Laparotomy done.

How to Protect Yourself from Ovarian Cancer

Identifying ourselves as one of the best cancer hospitals in Delhi, we at Max Healthcare believe that you can easily keep yourself from falling prey to ovarian cancer if you follow the tips mentioned below:

Get yourself regularly checked
Any abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding should be immediately reported to the doctor
If there’s a family history of ovarian cancer, discuss the same with your doctor and learn more about the risk to your health
Be sure of eating healthy

Now that you have all the ovarian cancer basics by your side, make sure you take good care of your health. Any abnormalities whatsoever should immediately be reported to the doctor, for the best possible treatment. Take care!