Understanding the Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are located in the female reproductive system. It is one of the most common types of gynaecological cancer and affects women worldwide. While there are several different subtypes, they all have similar signs and symptoms, as well as treatments. 

Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include abdominal discomfort or pain, bloating or swelling in the abdomen, feeling full quickly after eating a small amount of food, pelvic pressure or pain, changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhoea, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge and fatigue. Unfortunately, these symptoms can be hard to recognize early on because they can be caused by other illnesses and conditions. 

The exact cause of ovarian cancer remains unknown; however, certain factors may increase a woman’s risk for developing this disease including age (most cases occur after menopause), family history (those with first-degree relatives who have had ovarian cancer have an increased risk), obesity, hormone use (such as fertility drugs) and genetics (women with BRCA gene mutations). 

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious types of cancer for women. It is estimated that about 22,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States alone. This type of cancer affects the ovaries and can have a variety of symptoms, depending on its stage and progression. Understanding some of the different types of ovarian cancers can help you recognize warning signs and seek medical help if needed.

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer 

This type accounts for about 90 per cent of all ovarian cancers. It starts in the cells that cover the outside surface layer (epithelium) of one or both ovaries. It often does not cause any noticeable symptoms until it has already spread to other organs such as lymph nodes or distant parts of the body like the lungs or liver. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, frequent urination, irregular periods, fatigue or nausea/vomiting. 

Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer 

This type originates from egg-producing cells inside your ovary called germ cells. The most common symptom is a lump (mass) in your abdomen which can be felt during a physical exam by your doctor; however, sometimes there are no signs at all.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the ovaries, which are the reproductive organs in women. It is one of the most common types of gynaecological cancer, and it can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Early detection and treatment are critical for successful outcomes, so it’s important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms as well as how this type of cancer is diagnosed.

The most common symptom associated with ovarian cancer is abdominal discomfort or pain, typically located in the lower abdomen. Other possible signs include feeling full quickly when eating even small amounts, urinary urgency, bloating or swelling in your abdomen and back pain.

If you have any of these symptoms for an extended time – especially if they worsen over time – it’s important to see your doctor for further evaluation. A thorough physical exam will be performed along with blood tests that measure levels of certain proteins that can indicate ovarian cancer. 

Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer can be a devastating diagnosis, but there are many treatment options available that can help in controlling the disease and prolonging life. Surgery is usually the first step when treating ovarian cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumour as possible; this may include the removal of one or both ovaries, fallopian tubes, part or all of the uterus and other tissues in the pelvic area. In some cases, lymph nodes near the tumour may also be removed.

Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells that may have spread beyond what was visible during surgery. Chemotherapy drugs can be given intravenously (IV) or taken orally (by mouth) depending on your doctor’s recommendation and what type of medication you are taking. This treatment typically consists of multiple cycles administered for months with regular visits for monitoring progress between cycles.

Radiation therapy is another option for treating ovarian cancer; this involves using high-energy X-rays to kill off any remaining cancer cells after surgery has been performed. 

Side Effects and Prognosis of Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. It is one of the most common types of cancer in women and can be difficult to detect and treat. Ovarian cancer treatment typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these treatments. While effective treatments exist that can help improve prognosis and quality of life, they may also cause side effects that can make treatment challenging.

Surgery is often used as an initial treatment for ovarian cancer and may include the removal of one or both ovaries as well as other organs such as the uterus and fallopian tubes if necessary. Side effects from surgery may include pain, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, infection risk at the incision site and increased risk for blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body by interfering with their ability to grow and divide normally.

Prevention and Screening Strategies for Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a serious and potentially deadly form of cancer that affects the ovaries in women. It is estimated that over 20,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year in the United States, and around 14,000 will die from it. While there is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer, there are screening strategies available which can help identify it early on when treatment options are more successful. 

Early detection of ovarian cancer is important because many women do not experience any symptoms until the disease has spread beyond the ovaries. The most common symptoms include bloating or feeling full quickly after eating; abdominal pain; changes in bowel habits; pelvic pain; and frequent urination. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks or if they worsen over time, a woman should see her doctor as soon as possible to determine whether she may have ovarian cancer. 

Screening for ovarian cancer typically involves an ultrasound scan of the abdomen and pelvis to look for tumours or other abnormalities within the ovaries or other organs within the pelvis area such as fallopian tubes and uterus.