Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a significant health issue that affects the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system and are located on each side of the uterus. This type of cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen, making it more challenging to treat. Early-stage ovarian cancer, where the disease remains confined to the ovaries, is more likely to be treated successfully.                       

Types of Ovarian Cancer

• Epithelial tumours:
  
  • These are the most common type of ovarian cancer, originating from the layer of tissue outside the ovaries. About 90% of ovarian cancers are epithelial tumors
• Germ cell tumors:
  
  • Typically occurring in younger women, these rare ovarian cancers start in the egg-producing cells.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often vague, which can delay diagnosis. Symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary urgency or frequency

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

Diagnosing ovarian cancer typically involves a combination of:

• Pelvic examination:  
  
  • To feel for abnormalities in the uterus, vagina, ovaries, bladder, and rectum.
• Imaging Tests: 
  
  • Such as ultrasound or CT scans to visualize the ovaries.
• Blood tests: 
  
  • : To check for cancer markers like CA-125, which are often elevated in ovarian cancer
• Surgical Biopsy
  
  • :Collecting cells from the ovary to confirm cancer through a biopsy is often necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cancer stage and may include:

• Surgery:
  
  • To remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and nearby lymph nodes. In younger
• Chemotherapy: 
  
  • Used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells or as initial treatment in some cases.
• Targeted Therapy: 
  
  • Drugs that target specific pathways or anomalies in cancer cells.
• Hormone Therapy 
  
  • For cancers that use hormones to grow.

Awareness and education about ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors are critical for early detection. Regular medical check-ups and discussions about any potential symptoms with a healthcare provider are vital steps in catching the disease in its early, more treatable stages. These UK organisations play an essential role in supporting women affected by ovarian cancer through their journeys.

 Cancer Portal

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