Ovarian Cancer Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. It results in abnormal cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body.

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. In such a late stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and is frequently fatal.

Early-stage ovarian cancer, in which the disease is confined to the ovary, is more likely to be treated successfully.

Ovarian cancer can be subdivided into the following types:

Epithelial tumors, which begin in the thin layer of tissue that covers the outside of the ovaries.
Stromal tumors, which begin in the ovarian tissue that contains hormone-producing cells.
Germ cell tumors, which begin in the egg-producing cells.

Causes of Ovarian Cancer:

The underlying cause of ovarian cancer is yet unknown,

However, certain factors are known to increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. These may include:

Being 50 to 60 years of age
Inherited gene mutation
Being a recipient of estrogen replacement therapy
Age when menstruation started and ended ( if menstruation starts before the age of 12 and menopause starts after 52, one is at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer)
Never being pregnant
Being a recipient of fertility treatment
Smoking
Using intrauterine device
Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

Early stage of ovarian cancer doe not exhibit any sign or symptoms and therefore is difficult to detect.

The following symptoms are seen in later stages of ovarian cancer:

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Quickly feeling full when eating
Weight loss
Discomfort in the pelvis area
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
A frequent need to urinate
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Back pain
Irregular menstruation or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding,
Pain or bleeding after or during sexual intercourse,
Difficulty eating
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Heartburn
Constipation
Nausea
Early satiety

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer:

The following tests and exams confirm the diagnosis of ovarian cancer:

Pelvic exam

This includes the following steps:

The outer part of genitals is carefully inspected.
The doctor then inserts two gloved fingers into the vagina and simultaneously presses a hand on the abdomen to feel the uterus and ovaries.
A device (speculum) is inserted into the vagina so that the doctor can visually check for abnormalities.

Imaging tests

Ultrasound
CT scan

Blood test
Surgery to remove a tissue sample

Treatment of Ovarian Cancer:

Treatment targeted against ovarian cancer is a combination of chemotherapy and surgery.

Surgery

Treatment generally involves removing both of the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and the uterus as well as nearby lymph nodes and a fold of fatty abdominal tissue (omentum) where ovarian cancer often spreads.