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Ovarian cancer and its vague symptoms are often hard to detect. Although ovarian cancer responds well to treatment at early stages, it is discovered in advanced stages when it is difficult to treat. Being aware of the symptoms to look for can aid early detection. In this blog post, we discuss subtle signs of ovarian cancer to watch out for.
Synopsis
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is the third most common cancer among Indian women and the 8th most common cancer in women worldwide. The cancer develops due to abnormal growth of ovaries, a reproductive part responsible for producing eggs. The cells proliferate and invade healthy body tissues, including distant organs like lungs. Almost 90% of cancers develop in the epithelial cells that cover the surface of the ovaries.
In the early stages, the ovarian cyst symptoms are often not noticeable. When symptoms do appear, it can be associated with other common conditions. It is considered a deadly cancer because the chances of survival are low at advanced stages, and it has a high rate of recurrence.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Women between the ages of 50 to 65 years have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. It can cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Bleeding from the vagina post menopause
- Pain or pressure in the pelvic area
- Abdominal or back pain
- Bloating
- Feeling full too quickly or having difficulty eating
- Change in bathroom habits, including frequent urination, increased urge to urinate, and constipation
Other less frequent symptoms
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Breathlessness
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
If these symptoms are not normal for you and last two weeks or longer, seeking medical attention is vital.
What are the risk factors of Ovarian cancer?
There is no way to know for sure if one will get ovarian cancer. Some women do get ovarian cancer symptoms even without being at risk. However, these factors can raise your risk.
- Ageing: Ovarian cancer risk increases with age and is often diagnosed in women post-menopause.
- Obesity: Obese people have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, not necessarily the aggressive type. It can also negatively impact the survivability of women with ovarian cancer.
- Late birth: Women giving birth after 35 years or who never carried a pregnancy to full-term have a higher risk.
- Family history: Ovarian cancer runs in families. If anyone in your immediate family has ovarian or breast cancer, it automatically increases your risk for ovarian cancer. Women with a mutation in the BRCA gene tend to have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
If a woman is suspected of having ovarian cancer, the following tests are recommended.
- Medical history and physical exam
- Imaging test: Ultrasound, PET, MRI, CT, and X-ray
- Laparoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Biopsy is performed for advanced cancer stages
- Blood tests including complete blood count, kidney and liver function test, and high CA-125 level
Treatment of Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is treated with Surgery, Chemotherapy, Hormone Replacement Therapy or Targeted Therapy. Surgical options include removing one or both ovaries and a uterus depending on the cancer spread. Slow-growing ovarian cancer must be treated with Hormone Therapy as the growth of cancer cells is facilitated by oestrogen.
Ovarian cancer is a formidable adversary affecting a significant number of women. Like any other cancer, early detection is the key to its cure. However, its silent nature makes the diagnosis difficult. Manipal Hospitals Dhakuria are a centre of excellence in cancer care. We empower women by educating them about ovarian cancer and provide compassionate support throughout, from diagnosis to ovarian cyst treatment.
FAQ's
It is classified as:
- Stage I: Cancer is found in one or both ovaries.
- Stage II: Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to other areas of the pelvis
- Stage III: Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread beyond the pelvis to other parts of the abdomen or nearby lymph nodes
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread beyond the abdomen to other body parts
A mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes is the cause of both breast and ovarian cancer. Therefore, women with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, or a personal history of either, diagnosed before 50, should be aware of the increased risk.
Fibroids are not related to ovarian cancer, and most ovarian cysts are not cancerous. However, some complex ovarian cyst can turn cancerous and should regularly be monitored by the doctors.
An exploratory surgical procedure called laparotomy is required for a definitive diagnosis of ovarian cancer. During the procedure, any suspicious area is removed and biopsied.
Currently, there is no way to prevent ovarian cancer. However, several measures have been found to reduce a woman’s risk. It includes pregnancy, breastfeeding, hysterectomy, and oral contraceptives.
To schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals Dhakuria, contact our oncology department or visit our website.
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