A malignant pathology of the ovaries that’s hard to detect in the early stages.
Ovarian cancer is the result of cancerous cells growing in the ovaries, where female eggs and hormones are produced (such as estrogens).
Early in its development, ovarian cancer may be asymptomatic, which makes it difficult to detect before the cells multiply and spread. When diagnosed, it may be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. Ovarian cancer may return even after removing the ovaries, developing in other parts, like the fallopian tubes.
It’s unclear what causes ovarian cancer. Risk factors include age, genetic predisposition (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, Lynch syndrome), obesity, endometriosis, and never giving birth. Preventive measures are genetic testing and the long-term use of oral contraceptives.
Symptoms are mostly absent in the early stages, and even when they exist, they may be attributed to other conditions. Therefore, it’s critical to stay alert and leave nothing to chance. Signs of ovarian cancer are:
Bloating and abdominal swelling
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Fatigue, weight loss, changes in bowel habits (advanced stages)
If you experience these symptoms frequently, please see a specialist as soon as possible.
Ovarian cancer is diagnosed through a combination of physical and imaging examinations, such as a pelvic exam and a transvaginal ultrasound. Targeted blood tests may be used as confirmation (CA-125 tumor marker). A more definitive diagnosis can be made through biopsy after a minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy, laparotomy).
Treatment for ovarian cancer usually combines surgery and chemotherapy. Depending on cancer stage, tumor type, and the patient’s overall health, surgical treatment may target the ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy), or also include the uterus (hysterectomy). In advanced cases, surgery is performed to remove as much of the cancerous mass as possible (debulking surgery). Other types of treatment are targeted therapy (attacking specific weaknesses in cancer cells) and immunotherapy (activating the immune system against cancer cells).
After treatment is complete, scheduled screenings and examinations are required to monitor patient health, stay aware of any recurrences, and manage possible negative side effects.
For appointments, call my office every Thursday between 9.30 and 15.30.
