Cancer that affects the ovaries (the organs that store the eggs) is called Ovarian cancer.
The symptoms of Ovarian cancer are very vague; hence by the time cancer is diagnosed, it would have already spread to the inner lining of the abdomen and pelvis and to adjacent organs, including the liver and lungs.
Cancer ovary can occur to anyone, but like any cancer, it also has certain risk factors:
- Age more than 50 years (mostly occurs)
- People who have close relatives with a history of breast cancer and colon cancer
- People who have had their first period early (early menarche) and late cessation of periods (late menopause)
- Obesity
Cancer Prevention
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Oral contraceptive use ( >5 years, risk reduced by 50%)
- Early screening in people with family history and personal history of breast, uterus and colon cancer.
- Risk-reducing surgery in people with family history and personal history of tumour-causing genes (BRCA1&2)/TP53, HNPCC: Removal of uterus, ovaries and tubes, once childbearing is completed (maximum at the age of 40 years).
- Tubal ligation: Permanent family planning method where the connection between fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus is cut off to prevent future pregnancies.
- Healthy eating and regular exercise.
Causes of Ovarian Cancer
There are many ovarian cancer causes. The following are the causes of Ovarian cancer :
1) Genetics
Inherited changes in some genes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
2) Family history
If you have a mother, sister, or daughter having ovarian cancer, then you are at risk of getting ovarian cancer. It is more significant to collect the details about your mother, sister, or daughter to note that at what age they had ovarian cancer.
3) Age
Age could impact the risk of ovarian cancer. As age increases, the ovarian cancer risk also increases for a woman. In most cases, this risk is greater after the menopause.
4) Menstruation and menopause
Beginning your period before age 12 or going through menopause after an age of 55 could increase your risk of ovarian cancer.
5) Hormonal contraception
Consuming the combined contraceptive pill could lower the risk of your ovarian cancer. The longer you consume the pill, the greater will be the risk reduction; this could last for decades after you stop consuming it.
6) Pregnancy
Not having children or having your first child after age 35 can increase your risk.
7) Hormone replacement therapy
The usage of oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy could also raise the risk of ovarian cancer.
8) Other causes
In some cases, having endometriosis or diabetes could raise the risk of your ovarian cancer.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
As the symptoms of Ovarian cancer are very non-specific and vague, they often mimic symptoms of indigestion. So it is important to educate patients and the public that if such symptoms are occurring more frequently ( >12 times in a month), they need prompt medical attention.
Other symptoms of Ovarian cancer can include:
- indigestion
- constipation or diarrhoea
- feeling full or bloated
- back pain
- feeling tired all the time
- loss of hunger
- loss of weight ( >5kgs in a month without diet or exercise)
- Heavy and irregular bleeding, especially after menopause.
Diagnosis of Ovarian cancer
- Clinical examination by a doctor
- Ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis
- Certain proteins secreted by the tumour: CA125, CEA, Ca19-9, Beta Hcg and Alpha-fetoprotein
- Biopsy: Needle test to extract part of the tissue and send for examination
- MRI/CT pelvis
- PET scan
- Chest X-ray
Treatment of Ovarian cancer
Treatment for Ovarian cancer will depend on the stage at which it is diagnosed and the type of cancer. Other factors like age and general condition to be taken into account.
There are multiple modalities of treatment like surgery, anti-cancer drugs, medicines that target immunity to treat cancer cells and Hormonal drugs.
Surgery
- Surgery involves removal of the uterus, ovaries with cancer, the lining of the pelvic and abdominal cavity and biopsy from layers of tissues covering and connecting the intestine. In advanced cases, removal of the affected part of the intestine, spleen and part of the liver. Removal of lymph nodes around the intestine and major blood vessels.
In advanced cases, removal of the affected part of the intestine, spleen and part of the liver. Removal of lymph nodes around the intestine and major blood vessels.
In advanced cases, a few cycles of anticancer drugs are given before surgery and then it is done for better response.
Certain patients will require chemotherapy (anti-cancer) treatment even after the completion of the surgery.
Chemotherapy
It is given in the vein (a blood vessel) inside the abdominal cavity through a small port inserted using a laparoscope/HIPEC.
Other therapies include drugs that target the immune system against cancer and hormonal therapy.
Follow up
As most Ovarian cancer is diagnosed at a later stage, there is a high chance that it will come back again and even after complete treatment. The patient will be on a strict follow-up for up to 10 years in early cases.
Conclusion
Awareness regarding women’s health is taking its round among the general population. But still, cases go unidentified, leading to an increased death rate. Women should be more aware and responsible regarding their own health, giving it a priority and not shy away, especially when it comes to reproductive health.
FAQs
How do you check for Ovarian cancer?
If you have any one of the above-mentioned symptoms or if you fall under any of the risk factors, consult your gynaecologist ASAP.
Can you feel an Ovarian tumour?
As the size of the tumour increases in unidentified cases, there will only be a heaviness in the abdomen and significant pedal pain, other than the usual above-mentioned symptoms.
How fast do Ovarian tumours grow?
The Ovarian tumours growth differs for each individual.
What is a common presenting symptom of Ovarian cancer?
An irregular menstrual cycle is common among all Ovarian cancer patients.
What are the risks for Ovarian cancer?
The risks for Ovarian cancer are the huge gap between menarche and menopause, obesity, hormonal imbalance, irregular cycles, etc.
