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- Ovarian cancer starts when abnormal ovarian cells grow out of control
- There are many theories as to what causes ovarian cancer
- Doctors said the illness is hard to detect, especially in its early stage
- Typically, there are 30 types of ovarian cancer which are categorized based on cell type from which they start.
- There are three treatment types of ovarian cancer
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What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a disease that starts when abnormal cells in the ovaries begin to grow out of control which eventually becomes cancerous.
Unlike normal cells which replaces old cells and repair injuries, cancer cells, on the other hand, lives longer than normal cells. The abnormal cells continue to produce and eventually becomes a tumor that affects other organs within the areas of the ovaries. And these cancer cells sometimes can swim to other parts of the body where they multiply and replace the normal cells.
According to Ovarian.org, there are several types of tumors that can start in the ovaries. Some are benign (non-cancerous) while others are malignant (cancerous).
Cause
Reportedly, there are many theories as to what causes ovarian cancer. Some reseachers believe that pregnancy and taking birth control pills play a roll.
Although these two appears to lower the risk of ovarian cancer, both also reduce the number of times the ovary releases an egg. Another theory is that male hormones can also be a cause.
Moreover, about 25% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have hereditary tendency to develop the disease, says ovariancancer.org. They also added that there's a 5% lifetime risk for an average woman, who has a first degree relative with ovarian cancer, to acquire the cancer.
Signs and symptoms
Doctors said the illness is hard to detect, especially in its early stage. Symptoms commonly occur during the advance stages when the tumor starts to put pressure to the rectum and bladder. Nonetheless, these signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can act as the red light to a person to have herself checked if these persist for more than two weeks.
- Persistent cramps in the belly and in the pelvic area
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
- Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often
- Heartburn
- Pain during sex
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Menstrual changes
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Diagnosis and Tests
Because this cancer attacks the body's system silently, only 19% of cases are found in the early stages. When symptoms persist, the doctor will do a rectovaginal pelvic examination to the patient. The process is done when he simultaneously inserts one finger in the rectum and one in the vagina. If there's an irregularity found in the vagina, the woman may undergo transvaginal sonography and/or tumor markers. A blood test for ovarian cancer called CA-125can also be done.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
Typically, there are 30 types of ovarian cancer which are categorized based on cell type from which they start. But overall, the cancerous tumors can start from these three cell types:
- Surface Epithelium - The cells that covers the ovaries' lining
- Germ Cells - These cells help form eggs
- Stromal Cells - The cells that release hormones and links the ovaries' structures
Stages
In most cases, the doctros will determine what stage the ovarian cancer is during surgery. This way, they can closely check if the cancer has spread outside the ovaries. The disease has four stages:
- Stage 1 - The growth of the cancer is confined in one or both ovaries
- Stage 2 - The development of the cancer involves one or both ovaries and has extended to the pelvic organs
- Stage 3 - The cancer growth involves one or both ovaries with the following signs
- The cancer already spread to lymph nodes
- The cancer already spread beyond the pelvis reaching the lining of the abdomen
- Stage 4 - The cancer involves one or both ovaries and has spread to distant organs located outside of the peritoneal cavity. Also evident is the cancer cells living in the cavity that surrounds the lungs
Treatments: What your doctor can do
- Surgery - This allows the gynecologic oncologist to check where the cancer has reached and how to treat it.
- Chemotherapy - The patient will need to take medicines to destroy the cancer cells. Mostly recommended after surgery
- Radiation Therapy - Uses a high energy xray to kill the cancer and reduce the tumor size