Cancer refers to the condition in which cells in the body start multiplying uncontrollably and affecting neighboring tissues. Ovarian cancer is a condition that affects the woman’s ovaries. In fact, it is the fifth greatest cause of cancer-related deaths for women between the ages of 35 and 74, with 1 in 78 women getting ovarian cancer. Seek immediate medical care from a gynecologist in Bhubaneswar if you are diagnosed with this condition.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer occurs when cells grow in the ovaries. In addition to quickly multiplying, these cells can get into and damage healthy tissue. As the symptoms of this condition are quite similar to other diseases, early detection is challenging. Because of this, approximately 70% of women with this cancer are diagnosed late, making treatment challenging. Some of the symptoms to look out for are:
- Pelvic or abdominal pain and swelling
- Bloating
- Back and stomach pain
- Fatigue
- Irregular period
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
Are you experiencing these symptoms, and they seem to be getting worse? Find the best lady gynecologist in Bhubaneswar and schedule an appointment right away. Even if there can be another cause, these symptoms could indicate ovarian cancer. Therefore, it’s essential to diagnose and treat it.
Different Types Of Ovarian Tumors
These are the different types of ovarian tumors that can develop into cancer:
- Epithelial Ovarian Tumors
This tumor starts in the ovary’s outer cells. Most of them become epithelial cell tumors, which can be benign, borderline, or malignant.
- Benign epithelial ovarian tumors do not metastasize and usually do not pose major health risks.
- Borderline epithelial tumors are neither entirely benign nor wholly malignant. Compared to other ovarian cancers, these tumors tend to strike younger women and grow at a far slower rate.
- Malignant epithelial ovarian tumors are by far the most common and, unfortunately, most dangerous cancer as they are detected late. The four main categories of these tumors are endometrioid, mucinous, serous, and clear cell.
- Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors
This condition starts in the eggs of the ovaries. Treatment often has a high success rate. People diagnosed with Ovarian germ cell cancers can typically undergo complete treatment while still being able to reproduce. This tumor has different categories, such as Teratomas, Choriocarcinomas, Dysgerminomas, and Endodermal Sinus.
- Ovarian Stromal Tumors
The process starts in the ovaries’ connecting cells and hormone-releasing cells. Although rare, stromal tumors can be treated more quickly if detected early. Granulosa-theca and Sertoil-Leydig tumors are the most common types of stromal cell tumors.
- Ovarian Cysts
A cyst is a collection of fluid within an ovary. In most cases, ovarian cysts are completely harmless. However, a doctor may recommend surgery if it grows too big or does not drain. Consult a gynecologist to get an accurate diagnosis. Additional testing may be necessary if the doctor notices an ovarian cyst in a woman who isn’t ovulating, for example, after menopause or in a girl whose menstruation has not yet begun.
Treatment For Ovarian Cancer
- Surgery
In most cases of ovarian cancer, surgical removal of the cancerous tissue and any lymph nodes it has spread to is the first option for treatment. The first thing to do is contact a gynecological surgeon Bhubaneswar to determine the exact spot of the cancer and whether or not surgery is required. If surgery is necessary, these are the possible options:
- One-ovary removal for early-stage cancer with no spreading.
- Surgery to remove both ovaries if they are cancerous but no other cancers are present.
- Removal of ovaries and uterus in case of more advanced cancer.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells left over from surgery or shrinks tumors to make surgery easier. Patients receive oral or intravenous chemotherapy to kill hyperactive cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy directs the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. The immune system may not attack cancer cells because they create proteins that help them hide. Immunotherapy disrupts this process, making it an option to treat ovarian cancer.
- Targeted Therapy
Targeted Therapy uses medications to target cancer cells without harming other cells. Depending on the treatment, it attacks how cancer cells feed, grow, heal, and connect with other cells. Interrupting these pathways kills cancer cells.
- Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy treats cancer with hormones and hormone blockers. Due to its direct interaction with hormones and stromal cells, hormone therapy is more often used to treat stromal tumors.
- Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy kills cancer cells with high-energy X-rays or particles. Ovarian cancer patients rarely receive radiation since chemotherapy is more effective at curing tumors.
Summing Up
Understanding ovarian cancer is essential. Women should be mindful of their bodies, notice subtle changes, and see a gynecologist in Bhubaneswar if something seems wrong. Those with this condition should also communicate with their cancer team. Knowing their diagnosis and treatment options will help them make health decisions.
With her extensive knowledge and experience, Dr. Ushashree can help you effectively fight against ovarian cancer. Schedule an appointment today.