Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that affects thousands of women worldwide every year. The problem with this type of cancer is that it tends to be diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult and less effective.

However, early detection is key to improving the survival rate of patients. This article will go over the basics of ovarian cancer, its risk factors, and the early signs that women should watch out for to identify the disease early on.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a cancerous growth that begins in the ovaries, which are the female reproductive organs responsible for producing and releasing eggs for fertilization.

Ovarian cancer can affect one or both ovaries and can spread to other parts of the body, making treatment more difficult. There are different types of ovarian cancer, but the most common is epithelial ovarian cancer, which starts in the cells that cover the surface of the ovary.

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

Several risk factors can increase a woman’s chances of developing ovarian cancer, including:.

Age: Women over 50 are more likely to develop ovarian cancer
Family History: Women with a family history of ovarian cancer are at higher risk of developing the disease
Mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, can increase a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Women who have undergone hormone replacement therapy are at a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer

Early Signs of Ovarian Cancer

The problem with ovarian cancer is that there are often no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms do appear, they can be vague and easily mistaken for other conditions.

However, there are some early signs that women should be aware of and bring to their doctor’s attention. These include:.

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Abdominal bloating, swelling, or pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Frequent urination
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
Unexplained weight loss
Pain during sex
Abnormal vaginal bleeding

If a woman experiences any of these symptoms consistently for two weeks or more, she should schedule an appointment with her doctor.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get checked out.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer

If a woman presents with the early signs of ovarian cancer, her doctor may recommend several tests to diagnose the disease, including:.

Physical Exam: The doctor will examine the woman’s pelvis and abdomen for signs of swelling or growths
Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to create images of the ovaries and surrounding tissues to look for abnormalities
CA-125 Blood Test: This blood test measures the level of a protein that can be elevated in women with ovarian cancer
Biopsy: If a growth or abnormal tissue is detected, the doctor may recommend a biopsy to remove a sample of the tissue for testing

Treating Ovarian Cancer

The type of treatment a woman receives for ovarian cancer will depend on several factors, including the type of ovarian cancer, the stage of the disease, and the woman’s overall health. Some common treatments include:.

Surgery: The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. Depending on the stage of the disease, the surgeon may remove one or both ovaries, the uterus, and other organs in the pelvis and abdomen
Chemotherapy: This treatment uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery, depending on the stage of the disease
Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is not commonly used to treat ovarian cancer, but it may be recommended in certain cases

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer can be a deadly disease, but early detection is key to improving the chances of survival. Women at risk of ovarian cancer should be proactive about monitoring their health and reporting any early signs to their doctor.

The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment.