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dr swati shah - uro & gynec cancer surgeon
dr swati shah - uro & gynec cancer surgeon
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Ovarian Cancer

How It Affects Women Silently?

Home > Blog > Ovarian Cancer > Overview > Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a serious condition that impacts the ovaries—small glands located on either side of the uterus. These glands play a crucial role in producing eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. It’s important to understand ovarian cancer, including its types, causes, symptoms, and available tests. Early detection and proper management can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
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Summary

Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body. It often presents with subtle symptoms, making early detection challenging. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and, in some cases, targeted therapy, depending on the stage of the cancer.
  • Causes
Ovarian cancer can develop due to factors like age, family history, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), and certain lifestyle choices. Hormone replacement therapy and a history of reproductive issues may also increase the risk.
  • Symptoms
Common symptoms include persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and frequent urination. These symptoms are often vague, which can lead to delays in diagnosis.
  • Diagnosis
Ovarian cancer is diagnosed through a combination of pelvic exams, imaging tests (like ultrasound or CT scans), and blood tests, including the CA-125 marker test. Early detection is key to improving survival rates.
Ovarian Cancer

Facts

Know More

  • Ovarian cancer can grow slowly and might not cause any signs until it has spread.
  • It usually starts with abnormal growths in the ovaries.
  • Catching ovarian cancer early is important for successful treatment.
  • Regular check-ups and knowing your family health history can help find it early.
  • If treated early, ovarian cancer can be controlled with surgery and chemotherapy.

Symptoms

  • Abdominal bloating or swelling
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
  • Urinary urgency or frequency
  • Fatigue or feeling tired all the time
  • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
  • Back pain
  • Menstrual irregularities or abnormal bleeding
  • Pain during intercourse
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Causes

  • Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
  • Inherited gene mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2)
  • Age (risk increases after menopause)
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use
  • History of endometriosis
  • Personal history of breast or colorectal cancer
  • Obesity
  • Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption
  • Never being pregnant or having difficulty conceiving
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Diagnosis

  • Pelvic examination to feel for abnormal masses
  • Transvaginal ultrasound to check for tumors or abnormalities
  • CA-125 blood test to detect elevated tumor marker levels
  • CT scan or MRI to evaluate the size and spread of tumors
  • Biopsy to confirm cancerous cells
  • Laparoscopy to examine the pelvic area and take tissue samples
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Treatments

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Treatment Options and Outcomes

Ovarian cancer treatment depends on various factors, including the stage of the disease, overall health, and specific tumor characteristics. Below is a table outlining the most common treatment options for ovarian cancer, providing a concise overview of their purpose, effectiveness, and possible side effects. This below table can help patients and healthcare professionals make informed decisions about the best treatment approach.
Treatment Option Description Purpose Outcome/Effectiveness Side Effects
Surgery (Oophorectomy) Removal of ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding tissues to eliminate cancer. To remove cancerous tissue and reduce the spread of the disease. Effective for localized cancer; improves survival if the cancer is contained. Pain, infection, bleeding, hormonal changes.
Chemotherapy Use of drugs to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. To destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery or reduce tumor size. Can significantly shrink tumors, often used as adjuvant therapy. Nausea, fatigue, hair loss, immune suppression.
Targeted Therapy Drugs that target specific cancer cells without harming normal cells. To inhibit cancer cell growth by targeting molecular abnormalities. Effective in some cases, particularly for cancers with specific mutations. Diarrhea, fatigue, skin problems.
Hormone Therapy Treatment to block hormones that fuel tumor growth. To slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers. Used when cancer is hormone-receptor positive; can manage recurrence. Hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue.
Immunotherapy Treatment that boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer. To enhance immune response against cancer cells. Still experimental for ovarian cancer, but promising in some cases. Fatigue, immune-related side effects, rashes.
Radiation Therapy High-energy radiation used to target cancer cells. To shrink or eliminate residual cancer cells. Less commonly used; may be effective for localized spread. Skin irritation, fatigue, nausea.
Clinical Trials Participation in studies for new treatment options. To test new therapies and treatments for effectiveness. Can offer access to innovative treatments and better outcomes. Side effects vary depending on the trial treatment.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

  • What stage is my ovarian cancer, and how does this affect my treatment options?
  • What are the potential side effects of the treatment options you recommend?
  • Are there any clinical trials available for my condition that I could consider?
  • What are the chances of recurrence, and how can I monitor my health after treatment?

Frequently Asked Questions

Common symptoms include abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, and urinary changes, but they can be similar to other conditions.

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed through pelvic exams, blood tests (like CA-125), ultrasounds, and sometimes biopsy or CT scans for confirmation.

Treatment typically involves surgery to remove tumors, followed by chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy based on the cancer's characteristics.

While it cannot be fully prevented, genetic counseling, early detection, and reducing risk factors (like obesity) may help lower the chances.

The survival rate depends on the stage at diagnosis; early-stage ovarian cancer has a higher survival rate compared to advanced stages.

Risk factors include family history, age, hormonal therapy, and conditions like endometriosis, with genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 also increasing risk.

Yes, ovarian cancer can recur, especially if it was diagnosed at an advanced stage; regular follow-ups are crucial for early detection of recurrence.

Treatment, particularly surgery and chemotherapy, can affect fertility, but options like egg freezing or fertility preservation may be discussed before starting treatment.

While some alternative therapies may help manage symptoms, they should not replace conventional treatments like surgery and chemotherapy; always consult with your doctor first.

Genetic testing can help identify hereditary risk factors like BRCA mutations, guiding personalized treatment and potential preventive options for family members.

Dr Swati Shah

Dr. Swati Shah

MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Swati Shah is a renowned Robotic Uro and Gynecological Cancer Surgeon from Ahmedabad. He has 15+ years of extensive experience in pelvic oncosurgery and 10+ years of experience in robotic surgery. She treats cancers of kidney, bladder, prostate, uterus, ovaries and other pelvic organs.

5/5 - (5 reviews)

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