Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest form of gynecological cancer. This disease does not show symptoms while it is in its early stages. Unfortunately, in most situations this form of cancer isn’t caught until it is in the latent stages. The mortality rate is the highest among gynecological cancer. Ovarian cancer can be aggressive and should not be ignored.
Who Is At Risk for Ovarian Cancer?
• All women are at risk for this disease. Here are some of the known causes that can put you in the high-risk group:
• Most common in women over the age of 40. The older a woman is, the higher the risk. Women with a close family member such as a mother, sister or daughter with ovarian cancer.
• A history of breast cancer will increase your risk.
• Reproductive factors. Women that have not been pregnant are at an increased risk. Smoking always increases the risk for all types of cancer.
• Exposure to environmental substances that are harmful, such as work environments where hazardous chemical are present.
Signs And Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Bloating
Vaginal bleeding
Abdominal pain or cramping
Pelvic pain
Weight gain or loss
Change in bowels
Irregular periods
Bloated abdomen
Painful intercourse
Fatigue
Leg pain
Frequent urination
Backaches
Nausea, constipation, diarrhea
Indigestion
Gastrointestinal problems
Ovarian Cancer Prevention
The best course of action to prevent this disease is to
get a pelvic exam. I would also recommend asking your
physician for CA-125 blood test. This is a simple blood
test that some insurance cover. Unfortunately, not all
insurances cover this necessary and possibly life saving
test. This is not a particularly expensive test and is
well worth the extra expense. If you have a family history,
you will want to discuss this with your physician. Any
of these symptoms may be signs of other problems, but
you should pay close attention since this disease can
move quickly and does not particular show any signs until
it is in advanced stages. It has been suggested the use
of oral contraceptives reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.
Also women that have undergone other types of gynecological
surgery, such as a hysterectomy or a tubule libation,
may be at a lower risk.
Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
If your physician suspects you might have ovarian cancer
he will probably send you to a gynecological cancer specialist.
A pelvic exam will be performed and a palpitation for
unusual growths. Sometimes a pap smear can detect these
cancer cells but usually this test is reserved for the
detection of cervical types and not ovarian. Do not rely
on your yearly pap for a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Your first line of defense is always a pelvic exam.
Pelvic exam -It is extremely important for a woman to have a pelvic, along with a pap annually. During this exam a physician will feel for any abnormal masses on the ovaries or surrounding areas. If a mass is found, your physician will want to perform other tests to determine if it is cancerous or benign.
Ultrasound - An ultrasound is an imaging method that uses high frequency sound waves to obtain pictures. Often physicians will use ultrasound to determine if a mass is present on the ovaries. Once this picture is obtained it is known as a sonogram. Healthy ovaries, tumors and cysts look different on a sonogram.
Ca-25 Test - Measures the level of CA-125, higher than normal amounts indicate ovarian cancer. This substance produced by the fallopian tubes, the endemetrium and the lining of the abdominal cavity. You physician will want to re-test in several months if your levels are only slightly elevated. Sometimes other conditions will cause your levels to elevate. Often patients with ovarian cancer will not show a raise in CA-125 until in the later stages of cancer. Certain patients with ovarian cancer will never show a raised level of CA-125.
Lower GI series -A series of x-rays of the colon and rectum.
CAT scan - Detailed pictures taken by an X-ray machine hooked to a computer.
Ovarian Cancer Treatments
Treatment will depend on several factors. The stage of cancer, age and the size of the tumor will all be taken into consideration.
Hysterectomy
Performed on women that are past childbearing age or women
that do not intend to have children. Partial hysterectomies
are performed in some cases to keep in tact reproductive
organs that are not affected by tumors.
Chemotherapy
Chemical agents used to kill tumors are administered in
several forms and can be used in combination with radiation
to cut down on reoccurrence. Side effects include nausea,
vomiting and hair loss.
Radiation
High-energy rays used to irradiate the tumors. Side effects
are similar to chemotherapy side effects.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and not for diagnosis or treatment. For more information on ovarian cancer, please see your gynecologist.
