Ovarian cancer

Overview

Ovarian cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the ovaries. The ovaries on two sides of a female’s uterus responsible for forming eggs, are part of the reproductive system. Said abnormal cells rapidly multiply in the ovaries and spread to the pelvis and stomach region. Oftentimes, only then is the condition prone to detection owing to the appearance of symptoms. The abnormal cells destroy healthy body tissues by multiplying out of control, forming tumours. Treatment for ovarian cancer usually includes chemotherapy, surgery and other medications.

What is Ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a condition where abnormally occurring cells grow and multiply within the ovaries or fallopian tubes, often spreading to other parts of the body. They usually begin as tumours in the ovary tissues. Ovaries are responsible for producing the ova (eggs) during the host female's reproductive years. They also produce hormones like progesterone and oestrogen. Symptoms of ovarian cancer usually do not manifest in the initial stages. This is why it may often go undetected until it reaches a rather complicated stage.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Here are the categories of ovarian cancer based on the type of cell the cancerous growth first takes form:

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type, with several subtypes including fatal ones like carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma. In this type, cancerous cells form in the tissues that outline the ovary or fallopian tube.

Stromal Cancer

Stromal cancer forms in the mesenchymal tissue of the GI tract. It begins in the digestive system and if not diagnosed in time, can spread to other parts of the body. This type is usually diagnosed before other types of ovarian cancer.

Germ Cell Cancer

This type is quite rare and is mostly diagnosed at a very young age or in women up to 30 years of age. The germ cell tumours usually form in the ovaries in females and testicles in males as these regions are where most germ cells develop.

Borderline Ovarian Tumours

Borderline ovarian tumours may develop in the tissues which cover the ovaries. They are usually not cancerous and can be eliminated through surgery.

Sex Cord Stromal Tumours

Granulosa tumours are common under this category. Sex cord-stromal tumours may or may not be cancerous.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Early detection of ovarian cancer is quite difficult as the symptoms only show up by the time the illness spreads across most parts of the abdomen. Some symptoms associated with the condition include pelvic or abdomen pain and discomfort often leading to bloating; alterations in eating habits like feeling full easily or suddenly losing appetite; bowel problems including constipation or diarrhoea, and more. Other frequently recorded symptoms include increased urges to urinate, vaginal discharge or bleeding, possible swelling of the abdominal region, indigestion, nausea, fatigue, unintentional weight loss etc.

Causes of Ovarian Cancer

There is no isolated cause for ovarian cancer but research has allowed healthcare professionals to pinpoint certain risk factors associated with the illness. Ovarian cancer is caused due to the abnormal growth of cells in the ovaries. This can be triggered due to several different factors. For example, alterations in the genes of BRCA1 or BRCA2 and a family history showing records of members having cancers of the breast, bowel or ovary shall increase the chances of developing the illness.

Other circumstances that pose risks of ovarian cancer include older age and obesity. Women who are above the age of 50, girls who start their period before the age of 12 years or hit menopause late and females who have not had children or at least had their first child up till the age of 35 years - are more at risk.

The cancerous cells continue living even after killing the healthy cells of the body. They can continue to invade neighbouring tissues leading to the spreading of the sickness in the body.

Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis and Tests

To diagnose ovarian cancer, certain tests and procedures may be conducted. For example, a pelvic exam, blood tests and imaging tests (CT scans and ultrasound of the pelvis and abdomen) will be necessary. Surgery may be required for the doctor to be sure of the diagnosis, which will prompt the removal of the ovary and subsequent testing of it, for signs of cancer. Finally, genetic testing shall also be necessary.

Ovarian Cancer Management and Treatment

Ovarian cancer treatment methods include surgeries, chemotherapy and more. Surgery of one ovary, both the ovaries or ovaries and the uterus shall be necessary. For advanced stages of cancer, surgery may include safely operating till the cancer is eliminated.

Chemotherapy is a treatment involving drugs that are injected into the vein or given via the mouth. The drugs kill the abnormally multiplying cells in the body, mainly aiming for the cancer cells. Other treatment options include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and palliative care.

Preventive Measures for Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer cannot necessarily be prevented but there are certain measures one can undertake to lower its chances of occurrence. For example, women who give birth before 25 years of age and breastfeed their babies are less likely to develop ovarian cancer. Taking birth control which contains progesterone and oestrogen for 5 or more years shall also serve as a preventive measure. Finally, tubal ligation, having both fallopian tubes and ovaries removed, or a hysterectomy may reduce the risks of getting ovarian cancer.

Myths and Facts Related to Ovarian Cancer

Here are certain misconceptions associated with ovarian cancer and the facts to clarify the matters:

Myth 1: Only Women with a Family History of Ovarian Cancer are at Risk
Fact: While women with a family history of ovarian cancer are at a higher risk of developing the illness, the average female with ovaries can also be ill. Other causes like the use of hormonal replacement therapy, old age, obesity, etc., may cause cancer of the ovary. Therefore, regular screening is important for all women.

Myth 2: Only Older Women Can Get Ovarian cancer
Fact: While old age is considered to be a risk factor, ovarian cancer is not exclusive to aged women. It can affect younger or middle-aged women as well.

Myth 3: Ovarian Cysts are Always Cancer
Fact: Ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer are different, the first one being quite common among women. While ovarian cancer is quite often life-threatening, the cysts may even sometimes, go away on their own without requiring treatment.