What is Ovarian Cancer?
The ovaries are two female reproductive glands that produce eggs and the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries multiply without control and form a malignant tumor. The condition have vague symptoms in its early stages but as like most cancers, early detection is key. It is most often associated with fallopian tube cancer as both conditions exhibit similar symptoms.
The types of ovarian cancer include:
- Epithelial ovarian cancer: The most common form of Ovarian Cancer that includes various subtypes such as serous carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.
- Stromal tumors: This rare type of Ovarian Cancer develop in the ovaries' structural connective tissue cells that produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
- Germ cell tumors: It occurs more often in people under the age of 30 and are usually benign (non-cancerous) but can be cancerous.
What are symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
When Ovarian Cancer first develops, it might not cause any noticeable symptoms and when symptoms do show, they are sometimes attributed to other more common symptoms. Some symptoms you may notice include:
- Abdominal bleeding
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Fatigue
- Increased and frequent urination
- Pain with intercourse
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Swelling in the pelvis or abdomen
What are the risk factors of Ovarian Cancer?
Some factors that may increase your risk of Ovarian Cancer include:
- Older age: Ovarian Cancer is more often diagnosed in older adults and your risk of developing it increases as you age.
- Inherited genetic changes: You may have inherited certain genes that increases your risk of Ovarian Cancer from your parents. These genes include BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes also increase your risk of breast cancer.
- Family History: If someone in your family has been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, your chances of developing it will increase.
- Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy: Your chances of developing Ovarian Cancer may increase if you take hormone replacement therapy to control your menopausal symptoms.
- Never being pregnant: If you have never been pregnant, you may have a higher risk of Ovarian and Breast Cancer.
How is Ovarian Cancer diagnosed?
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be carried out to check for CA125, a tumor marker for ovarian cancer. A raised level of CA125 may point to the presence of ovarian cancer or fallopian tube cancer. However, the test results may not be absolute as the tumor marker may also be present in benign conditions such as fibroids or pregnancy.
Imaging
Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan may be conducted to check for the status or progression of the cancer and if it has metastasized.
Pelvic Examination
A pelvic examination may be conducted to feel for lumps or tender areas that may possibly point to the presence of a tumor. The examination will also check for unusual swelling in the reproductive system.
