All About Ovarian Cancer

There are many gynecological issues that women can face throughout their lifetime including dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, and many types of cancers. The deadliest gynecologic cancer is ovarian cancer, with only 45% of patients surviving only 5 years. This cancer starts in the ovaries or the distal ends of the fallopian tubes and can spread to other body parts and lymph nodes. In the United States, about 20,000 women are estimated to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022. There is about a 1 in 78 chance a woman can develop ovarian cancer in her lifetime. It is more common to develop it at an older age.

Some symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal bloating, quickly feeling full after eating, weight loss, pain in the pelvic area, and frequent urination. During the early stages of this cancer, it usually does not cause noticeable symptoms. Most of the common symptoms are usually attributed to other conditions which is why this cancer can be considered the silent killer. It is important to recognize these key signs and symptoms to make an early diagnosis.

There are certain risk factors that can increase a person’s chance of developing ovarian cancer. Some of these factors include obesity, having children later in life, never having a full-term pregnancy, taking hormone therapy after menopause, and family history. 25% of these cancers are a result of mutations in certain genes. If a woman has a mutation in the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene, they are more likely to develop breast, ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers. On the other hand, there are many preventative factors that can help decrease the chances of developing ovarian cancer. These factors include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and going on birth control.

Ovarian cancer is very difficult to diagnose and catch early on. While regular women’s health exams and pelvic exams can help determine the size and consistency of the uterus and ovaries, it is not very helpful early on. Even screening tests such as pap smears and HPV tests used for other cancers are not helpful when it comes to detection of ovarian cancer. The two tests that are most often used for screening are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test. The TVUS uses sound waves to look at the fallopian tube, ovaries, and uterus and help detect a mass.

The treatment for ovarian cancer can vary depending on the staging of the cancer. Some of the treatments can include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, hormonal therapy, and targeted systemic therapies. While chemotherapy has also been proven to be effective, it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and loss of appetite. Surgery is usually the method that results in the best prognosis and is the preferred treatment.

References:

American Cancer Society. (2022). Ovarian cancer. American Cancer Society. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer.html