Ovarian Cancer

• Ovarian Cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, often presenting with vague symptoms.
• Early detection is challenging due to non-specific symptoms, which can include bloating, pelvic pain, and changes in bowel habits.
• Risk factors include age, family history, and certain genetic mutations.
• Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, blood tests, and biopsy.
• Treatment options often include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, tailored to the individual case.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian Cancer refers to a group of cancers that begin in the ovaries, the female reproductive glands responsible for producing eggs and female hormones. These cancers can also start in the fallopian tubes or the peritoneum, the tissue lining the abdomen, and spread to the ovaries. It is often called a “silent killer” because symptoms can be subtle and non-specific, leading to diagnosis at later stages when the cancer has already spread.

Globally, ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women and the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women in developed countries. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer during their lifetime, with the risk increasing with age, particularly after menopause.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Causes

Recognizing ovarian cancer symptoms and signs can be challenging because they are often vague and can mimic less serious conditions. These symptoms tend to be persistent and worsen over time. Common symptoms include:

• Bloating or increased abdominal size
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Back pain
• Pain during intercourse

While the exact origins of ovarian cancer are not fully understood, research has identified several risk factors that contribute to its development. These include advanced age, a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, and certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Other factors can include a personal history of breast cancer, endometriosis, and never having been pregnant. Conversely, factors like oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, and breastfeeding may reduce the risk.

Diagnosing and Treating Ovarian Cancer

How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

The diagnostic process for ovarian cancer typically involves a combination of methods due to the non-specific nature of its symptoms. A pelvic exam may reveal an ovarian mass, prompting further investigation. Imaging tests, such as transvaginal ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, are used to visualize the ovaries and surrounding areas for tumors. Blood tests, particularly for CA-125, a tumor marker, can be elevated in many cases of ovarian cancer, though it can also be high in non-cancerous conditions. The definitive diagnosis of ovarian cancer requires a biopsy, often performed during surgery, where tissue samples are examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

Once diagnosed, ovarian cancer treatment options are highly individualized and depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. The primary treatment approach often involves surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, known as debulking surgery, along with the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Following surgery, chemotherapy is frequently administered to kill any remaining cancer cells. Other treatments may include targeted therapy, which uses drugs to specifically attack cancer cells with certain genetic mutations, and in some cases, radiation therapy. A multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists typically collaborates to develop the most effective treatment plan.