Women’s health covers various aspects, ranging from mental health to reproductive health and among several problems they might get trapped in, ovarian cancer comes out as an extremely formidable foe. It is sometimes referred to as the silent attacker since it can be difficult to identify at an early stage. This can be a life-threatening illness that particularly affects the ovaries in women, which are an essential organ responsible for the production of eggs and female hormones. As women go through the intricacies of their health journeys, knowing the condition, its symptoms and risk factors are crucial for successful treatment.
Ovarian Cancer: Know, Prevent, Protect
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
The kind of cancer develops in the ovaries (female reproductive glands). Ovarian cancer begins as the abnormal growth of cells in the ovaries. The development of cancerous ovarian tumors occurs when cells divide and multiply in an uncontrolled manner. This cancer may develop in a silent way as it is often detected at a later stage.
While ovarian cancer is a possibility at any age, ovarian cancer experts in India declare that women over 60 years old are at greater risk. If you suspect that someone may think they might be suffering from ovarian cancer, it’s essential to talk with an experienced oncologist to seek the most effective treatment.
Signs Indicating Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer forms in the female reproductive organ called Ovaries. This type of cancer may cause females to suffer a few symptoms or indications. These may include:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
- Weight loss
- Discomfort in the pelvic area
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
- An increase in the size of your abdomen
- A frequent need to urinate
Different Types of Ovarian Cancer
Understanding the kind of ovarian cancer you developed is essential for your doctor to determine the best treatment strategy for your condition. The Ovarian cancer types include:
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: The most common form of ovarian cancer that even comprises several subtypes, including Serous Carcinoma and Mucinous Carcinoma.
Stromal Tumors: Rare tumors; generally discovered at an earlier stage as compared to other ovarian cancers.
Germ cell tumors: Another rare ovarian cancer that tends to be diagnosed at a younger age.
How Common Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is among the most common cancers in Indian women. It is an enormous health risk worldwide and a significant health risk in India, too. In India, it is usually detected in advanced stages due to its symptoms being not clear. Taking regular health check ups and taking note of gynecological issues can help in the prompt detection and management of ovarian cancer.
Causes
The exact cause of the ovarian cancer is not known; however, the doctors discovered certain factors that likely increase the chances to develop this cancer. The experts explain that ovarian cancer begins the moment cells located near the ovaries experience mutations of their DNA. The modifications let’s the cells to multiply and grow quickly, resulting in a tumor of cancerous cells. The cancer cells remain alive even though healthy cells cease to exist. They may invade surrounding tissues and break away from the initial tumor, allowing them to expand metastasize to other parts of the body.
Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
Dr. Sameeksha Dubey, a renowned Oncologist in Nagpur says that the cause of this type of cancer is still under research. However, some of the risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer include:
- The risk of developing Ovarian cancer increases with your first or second-degree relative having a history of the same kind of cancer in the past.
- You’re at risk being overweight or obese.
- If you’ve experienced early menstruation or late menopause
- If you’re above 65 years
- Having history of estrogen or having hormone therapy after menopause
- Having a history of being treated for any other type of cancer, including colorectal, uterine and breast
- If you’ve been through an infertility procedure for more than a year
- If you are suffering from endometriosis, your chances of developing ovarian cancer increases.
When is the Right Time to See the Doctor?
If any of these signs persist for more than two weeks, we advise seeking appointment with Dr. Sameeksha Dubey, a renowned Oncologist in Nagpur immediately to pinpoint the root cause behind these symptoms. Even if you believe you are unlikely to develop ovarian cancer, there’s no harm getting a regular check up.
Diagnosis
Pelvic tests: If the medical expert suspects that you have ovarian cancer, the doctor may ask about your symptoms and conduct an examination of your pelvis. During the examination, they’ll search for any unusual organs or growths. Also, this will include the analysation of vagina, cervix and external genitalia.
Imaging tests: These tests help to determine the size, structure and shape of your ovaries. These include:
- Pelvic ultrasound.
- MRI
- CT scan
- PET scan
Blood tests: The presence of cancer in the ovary can also be suspected or indicated through the tumor markers in blood.
Biopsy : if any pelvic mass is diagnosed on imaging, biopsy is done using ultrasound guidance through a needle to take small tissue out and test to confirm cancer cells.
Ovarian Cancer Stages
If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the doctor will use the details from your test results and the procedures to give your cancer a stage. Cancer stage refers to the extent that cancer has spread to other tissues and organs. The stages of ovarian cancer include:
| Stage 1 | Cancer has not spread anywhere and is only limited to the ovaries |
| Stage 2 | Cancer has spread to the pelvic organs and the uterus |
| Stage 3 | Cancer has spread to the lining tissues of the abdomen or lymph nodes |
| Stage 4 | It has spread to distant sites like lungs or liver |
Treatment Options For Ovarian Cancer
We understand your concern about being diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. However, it’s time to stand strong against Ovarian Cancer and take a step to fight. Focus on finding the ideal treatment plan. Dr. Sameeksha Dubey in Nagpur offers the best Ovarian cancer treatment in Nagpur . Generally, surgery is the primary treatment for this type of cancer, alongside various alternative treatment options, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy and more. The best Ovarian cancer treatment in Nagpur will determine the appropriate treatment based on your condition.
The treatment options include:
Surgery: Many ovarian cancers are treated with surgical interventions. The degree of the ovarian cancer surgery needed typically depends on the extent of the cancer spread and on the individual’s overall health. The principal goal of surgical procedure to treat ovarian cancer is to eliminate the tumor completely.
Chemotherapy: The doctors may recommend chemotherapy before or after surgery. This therapy is performed to destroy cancerous cells. Your doctor may prescribe chemotherapy intravenously (through an incision) or orally (in pills).
Targeted Therapy: This cancer treatment employs drugs to detect and target cancerous cells. The targeted therapy alters how cancer cells grow and divide.
Hormone Therapy: Certain ovarian cancers require hormones to increase their growth. This kind of treatment blocks hormones, which slows or stops the expansion of cancer.
Radiation Therapy: The majority of doctors do not use radiation therapy to treat cancer of the ovary. The indication for radiation therapy use in ovarian cancer is extremely limited and it is not included in primary treatment.
After completing your ovarian chemotherapy, the doctor will ask you for regular follow ups. There may be regular appointments to ensure that the cancerous cells do not grow or multiply. During these visits, the doctor will look at any potential symptoms and perform an examination. Notice any symptoms you experience and discuss it with the experienced Oncologist in Nagpur.
Ovarian Cancer Prevention
Primary Prevention
Ovarian cancer is a frequent form of cancer in females; however, you can lower the risk of it developing by following prevention methods:
- By staying clear of risks, like being at an ideal weight or refraining from long term hormone therapy after menopausal changes, you might reduce the chance of developing Ovarian cancer.
- Oral contraceptives can be linked to the possibility of a 50% risk of ovarian cancer among women who take contraceptives for more than 5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ovarian Cancer
When does ovarian cancer begin?
Ovarian cancer can occur at any age; however it is most often diagnosed among women over 50 years of age. However, it can affect women of any age, including those at younger years.
Are All Ovarian Tumors Cancerous?
The majority of ovarian tumors do not appear to be cancerous. Ovarian tumors that are benign (non cancerous) aren’t life-threatening and can be treated using gentle measures, or they may not require any treatment in any way. If however, they’re cancerous, they’ll require urgent medical attention and may require multiple treatment options.
Are ovarian cancers treatable?
The good news is that ovarian tumors are treatable, particularly, if detected early. The treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy and more, depending on the stage and patient’s health.
How are ovarian cysts different from ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid which can develop in the ovaries. They are generally not cancerous. Ovarian cancer, on other hand, is the uncontrolled expansion of cancerous cells inside the ovaries and causes a cancerous condition.
A Note From Dr. Sameeksha Dubey!
Ovarian Cancer is tough, but so are you. Hope, Fight, and Win!
Having been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer might become a challenging and daunting situation for you to manage. However, understanding the causes and treatment procedures could benefit you to fight your cancer. Recognizing the significance of the above-mentioned, Dr. Sameeksha Dubey and her dedicated team of professionals remain steadfast to provide the highest quality Ovarian cancer treatment in Nagpur. So, conquer the challenges of this journey and fight Ovarian Cancer with the help of the best oncologist in the town. Book Your Appointment Today!
