Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. The cells multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue.Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. The cells multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue.
Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
● Abdominal bloating or swelling
● Quickly feeling full when eating
● Weight loss
● Discomfort in the pelvic area
● Fatigue
● Back pain
● Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
● A frequent need to urinate
What causes ovarian cancer?
The exact cause of ovarian cancer isn’t yet known. But some people have a slightly higher risk of developing the condition
Ovarian cancer risk factors include:
● Being over the age of 60.
● Obesity.
● A family history of ovarian cancer (others in your biological family have had the disease) or have inherited a gene mutation (BRCA1 or BRCA2) or Lynch syndrome.
● Never being pregnant or having children later in life.
● Endometriosis.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
To find out if you have ovarian cancer, your health care provider:
● Will ask about your medical history, including your symptoms
● Will ask about your family health history, including relatives who have had ovarian cancer
● Will do a physical exam, including a pelvic exam
● Will likely do imaging tests
● May do blood tests such as a CA-125 blood test
How is ovarian cancer treated?
The goal in treating cancer is to remove as much, if not all, cancer from your body as possible. Common ovarian cancer treatments include:
● Surgery. This typically involves the removal of your reproductive organs and any organ that has cancer on it. Your surgeon may use laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgery) or laparotomy (open surgery that requires an abdominal incision).
● Chemotherapy. Your provider may recommend chemotherapy either before or after surgery. Chemotherapy are drugs designed to target and kill cancerous cells. Your provider may give you chemotherapy intravenously (through a vein) or orally (in pill form).
● Targeted therapy. This cancer treatment uses drugs to identify and attack cancer cells. Targeted therapy changes the way cancer cells grow and divide.
● Hormone therapy. Some ovarian cancers use hormones to grow. This type of therapy blocks hormones, slowing or stopping the growth of cancer.
● Radiation therapy. Providers rarely use radiation therapy for treatment of ovarian cancer.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you develop signs of ovarian cancer, such as unusual lumps, pain or bloating in your abdomen, schedule a visit with a healthcare provider.