Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer affecting women all over the world. It accounts for nearly 3% of all cancers in women and is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.

While the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle, it’s essential to keep a watchful eye on any unusual changes in your body that persist for more than a few weeks.

Understanding Ovarian Cancer

In general, cancer occurs when abnormal cells start growing uncontrollably in your body. In the case of ovarian cancer, this happens when cancerous cells develop in the ovaries, which are responsible for producing eggs and female hormones.

As cancerous cells grow and multiply, they can spread to other parts of your body, including the abdomen, pelvis, lymph nodes, and other organs. This is why early detection of ovarian cancer is so crucial – it allows for more treatment options before the cancer spreads and becomes harder to treat.

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

There are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer. These include:.

A family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer
Being over the age of 50
Having certain gene mutations
Having never been pregnant
Using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for an extended period
Smoking
Being overweight or obese

Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

The following are some of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer:.

Abdominal or pelvic pain
Bloated feeling
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Frequent urination
Changes in bowel habits
Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
Back pain
Tiredness or fatigue
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Pain during sex

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they persist for more than a few weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor.

They can perform a physical examination and order additional tests, if necessary, to determine whether ovarian cancer or another condition is causing your symptoms.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer

Diagnosing ovarian cancer can be challenging since the symptoms can be vague and easily attributed to other common medical issues.

In general, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and any ongoing health conditions before performing a physical examination. If they suspect that you may have ovarian cancer, they may order any of the following tests:.

Blood test: A blood test called CA-125 can be used to detect ovarian cancer. However, elevated levels of CA-125 can also be present in non-cancerous conditions, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Pelvic examination: A pelvic examination can help your doctor feel for any lumps or abnormal growths in your ovaries or other reproductive organs.
Vaginal ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of your ovaries, which can help your doctor determine whether there are any abnormal growths or cysts.
CT scan: A CT scan is a specialized X-ray that creates detailed images of your internal organs. This test can help your doctor see if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.
Biopsy: If your doctor suspects that you may have ovarian cancer, they may perform a biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of tissue from your ovaries for examination under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.

Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer

If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your treatment options will depend on the stage of cancer, your overall health, and other factors. In general, treatment for ovarian cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Surgery is usually the first course of action for treating ovarian cancer, as it allows doctors to determine the extent of the cancer and remove any visible growths or cancerous tissue.

In more advanced cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be added to help slow the progression of the cancer and reduce the size of tumors.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is a serious and often deadly condition that affects many women worldwide. While the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle, it’s essential to keep a watchful eye on any unusual changes in your body.

If you notice any of the common symptoms of ovarian cancer, make an appointment to see your doctor right away. Early detection is key to successful treatment.