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Ovarian cancer is the third most common cancer and is also the leading cause of death from cancer in Indian women. The detection and treatment of ovarian cancer in its advanced stages is the reason behind its high mortality rates. This form of cancer occurs when cells in the ovaries or fallopian tubes abnormally grow and divide rapidly, invading and destroying the other healthy tissues of the body. Ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system and are responsible for producing eggs and female hormones. They are small, round, walnut-sized organs, available in pairs of two, one on each side of the uterus.
Ovarian cancer does not show any noticeable symptoms in the early stages, thus delaying its treatment. There are several types of ovarian cancers, and various risk factors contribute to this condition. With the use of imaging tests, blood tests, and a biopsy, this form of cancer can be diagnosed. The treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves Surgery to remove the tumour, followed by Chemotherapy to kill any remaining cells. In certain cases, Hormone Therapy, Immunotherapy, or Targeted Therapy may also be used. The top cancer oncologists at Manipal Hospitals in Dhakuria understand the importance of early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer and aim to provide personalised and comprehensive cancer treatment. We also ensure complete patient satisfaction and provide support throughout your cancer treatment journey, improving your quality of life through Palliative Care and counselling sessions. Continuous research is being conducted in this field to find improved screening methods for early diagnosis and advanced treatment to reduce mortality rates. Manipal Hospitals is the best Hospital For Ovarian Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis In Kolkata.
Treatment of ovarian cancer works best when it is detected in its early stages. But it doesn't show any symptoms until it spreads. When it shows symptoms, it often gets misjudged for other common conditions. Its signs and symptoms include:
Swelling, bloating, or pain in the abdomen
Discomfort or pelvic pain
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Back pain
Vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding
Changes in bowel habits
Increase in abdomen size
Frequent urination
Feeling full rapidly
If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor immediately.
Based on the type of cell from which the cancer originates, it is classified into three types:
Epithelial ovarian cancer: It is the most prevalent kind of ovarian cancer and comes in a few different forms, such as serous and mucinous carcinoma.
Germ cell tumours: This form of ovarian cancer is rare and mostly occurs at a younger age.
Stromal tumours: These rare tumours get diagnosed earlier than other types of ovarian cancer.
Various factors increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer. Its risk factors include:
Ageing (old age)
Inherited gene changes (BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51C, RAD51D, and BRIP1)
Obesity
Family history
Endometriosis
Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy
Early-age menstruation or late-age menopause
Never being pregnant
Having children later in life
There are four stages of ovarian cancer. The lowest number is the less severe, while the higher number is for the more serious condition.
Stage I: This stage is further divided into three sub-stages:
Stage IA: The cancer is in one ovary or one fallopian tube
Stage IB: There is cancer in the fallopian tubes or ovaries
Stage IC: In this, the cancer is in both ovaries or fallopian tubes and is also found outside of the ovary (peritoneal cavity)
Stage II: It is also further divided into two subtypes:
Stage IIA: In this stage, the cancer has spread from the ovary to the uterus
Stage IIB: In this stage, the cancer has spread to the nearby structures in the pelvis
Stage III: The cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to the abdomen or within lymph nodes and can impact other organs. It includes three sub-stages:
Stage IIIA: The tumour is of microscopic size
Stage IIIB: The tumour may be up to 2 cm in size
Stage IIIC: The tumour is larger
Stage IV: This is the most severe stage of cancer, where it has spread to the inside of organs such as the spleen or liver.
Stage IVA: It is found near your lungs
Stage IVB: It has spread to the lymph nodes in your chest or your groin
There is no proper screening test to detect ovarian cancer in its early stages. But if your doctor suspects it, they will evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical pelvic exam, and may ask you to undergo certain imaging and other diagnostic tests.
The diagnostic tests used for ovarian cancer include the following:
Pelvic exam
Imaging tests: Pelvic ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, PET scan
Blood tests (access levels of CA-125)
Surgical evaluation: Laparoscopy
Genetic testing
Based on these tests, confirmation of cancer will be done, along with assigning your cancer a stage, which will help in designing the appropriate treatment plan.
A combination of treatment approaches may be used for ovarian cancer treatment. It includes:
Surgery: The surgery may be done to remove one ovary, to remove both ovaries, to remove both ovaries and the uterus, or for advanced cancer. The technique can be either Laparoscopy or Laparotomy.
Chemotherapy: A drug treatment mainly used after the surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy: This treatment uses drugs to identify and attack the cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy: This therapy aims to block hormones that may cause cancer to grow, thereby slowing or stopping the growth of cancer.
Immunotherapy: It interferes with the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Supportive or Palliative Care: It is specialised medical care that relieves the pain of cancer symptoms and provides mental, physical, emotional, and social support. Palliative Care can be used along with other treatments for better patient outcomes.
Seek an appointment with a gynaecological oncologist who is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological cancers. Do the following preparations before visiting the doctor:
Prepare a list of symptoms that seem to be related to this condition
Note down any key medical information, including any other condition you may have
Include any major changes or stressors in your life
Make a list of all the medications, supplements, or vitamins you are consuming
Write down all the questions you want to ask your doctor
Take a friend or family member along with you on the day of the appointment
Ovarian cancer cannot be prevented, but its risk can be reduced in the following ways:
Knowing your family history and genetic testing: By knowing your family history of ovarian cancer, you can opt for risk-reducing surgery to remove your ovaries or tubes before they become cancerous. If you are not aware whether you have a gene mutation, opt for genetic testing.
Taking birth control pills: It can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, but it comes with its risks. Take guidance from your doctor based on your situation.
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