What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of cells in the ovary that may spread to the neighboring areas of the body as the disease progresses [1].

It may also be regarded as ovarian cancer even if surrounding areas like uterine tubes (tubes that catch the oocyte produced by the ovary and transport it to the uterus) and peritoneum (tissue covering abdominal viscera) are involved.

 

What are the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Initially, ovarian cancer may be asymptomatic. But as the disease metastasizes, symptoms start to appear.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer include [2]:

• Cramps
• Pelvic or abdominal discomfort
• Bloating or constipation
• Feeling of fullness after eating little food
• Urgent frequency to urinate

In extreme cases, the following symptoms present:

• Irregular sudden bleeding from the vagina

Please contact a doctor if any initial symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

 

What are the types of Ovarian Cancer?

Three different types of ovarian cancers are found. These cancers may involve one or both ovaries.

The types of ovarian cancers include [3]:

1. Ovarian epithelial carcinomas
2. Germ cell tumors
3. Stromal cell tumor

 

What are the causes of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in gynecology.

There are many causes of ovarian cancer. These may include [4]:

• Progressing age
• Family history
• breast cancer history
• Reproductive health history
• Gene mutations
• Hormone replacement therapy

 

What are the risk factors for Ovarian Cancer?

The most common risk factors may include:

• Obesity
• No prior pregnancy
• Family history
• High levels of androgens and testosterone
• Transgenders are more prone to ovarian cancers
• Previous breast cancer history

 

Stages and Grading System for Ovarian Cancer:

Cancers are divided into stages and grades to predict the size, and extent of metastasis of cancerous cells. These stages may also indicate how medications and treatment will affect cancer.

There are four stages of ovarian cancer. These are:

1. Stage 1: early cancer
2. Stage 2: cancer has started to spread
3. Stage 3: advanced ovarian cancer
4. Stage 4: mot advanced ovarian cancer

A higher stage means less chance for survival, and the spread of cancerous cells is significant.

 

What are the treatment options?

The gynecologic oncologist is responsible for planning out treatment according to the cancer stage and keeping other factors in mind.

Treatment options may include [5]:

• Surgery:

Removal of one or both ovaries if cancer has not metastasized yet may solve the problem of ovarian cancer.

Usually, the following structures are removed along with the ovaries:

1. Ovaries
2. Fallopian tubes
3. Uterus (hysterectomy)

 

• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy:

Certain drugs are prescribed that kill the rapidly growing cells. Post-surgical chemotherapy is often advised as the treatment of choice. Chemotherapy is prescribed to kill the cancerous cells left after the surgical removal of the ovaries. However, there are certain side effects of chemotherapy:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss
• Diarrhea

Radiotherapy uses radiation to kill the metastatic cells. The beam is targeted at the cancerous mass to destroy it.

 

 

References:

 

1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567760/

2.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22343227/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20symptoms%20associated,full%20quickly%2C%20and%20difficulty%20eating.

3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK367613/#:~:text=The%20major%20subtypes%20of%20ovarian,and%20mucinous%20carcinoma%20(MC).

4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7290868/

5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7290868/

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