Ovarian Cancer Symptoms - Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment | Max Lab

• ☞ Overview of Ovarian cancer
• ☞ What is Ovarian Cancer?
• ☞ Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
• ☞ Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer
• ☞ Treatment for Ovarian Cancer
• ☞ Conclusion

Overview of Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects the female reproductive system. If it's detected during the early stages, a complete recovery is possible. However, if it's detected in the later stages, ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate. The symptoms of this disease can be vague and subtle. Symptoms of ovarian cancer are not always present.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

One type of cancer that starts in the ovaries is ovarian cancer. The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs. Ovarian cancer usually starts in the lining of the ovaries, which is called the epithelium.

There are several types of ovarian tumors. The most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer, which begins in the cells that line the outer surface of the ovary. Other less common types include germ cell tumors and stromal tumors.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

There are many different symptoms of ovarian cancer, and they can vary depending on the individual. Some common symptoms include:

• Abdominal Pain or Bloating: There are many different possible causes of abdominal pain or bloating, and ovarian cancer is just one potential cause. Other possible causes include digestive issues like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or gastritis. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor to rule out any serious underlying causes.
• Feeling full quickly when eating: If you find that you're feeling full quickly when you eat, it could be a symptom of ovarian cancer. This is because the cancer can cause the ovaries to swell, which in turn can put pressure on the stomach and intestines. As a result, you may not be able to eat as much as you'd like without feeling uncomfortably full.
• Urinary Frequency or Urgency: If you have ovarian cancer, you may experience urinary frequency or urgency. This means that you need to urinate more often than usual, or that you feel a strong need to urinate even when your bladder is not full. If this is a new symptom for you, it is important to see your doctor so that they can rule out other potential causes.
• Changes in Bowel Habits: There are many different types of ovarian cancer, and each one can cause different symptoms. One common symptom is changes in bowel habits. This can include things like constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the frequency or appearance of your stool. If you experience any of these changes, it's important to see your doctor so they can rule out other potential causes.
• Pelvic Pain: Pelvic pain is a common symptom of ovarian cancer. It may be a dull ache that is present all the time, or it may be a sharp pain that comes and goes. Pelvic pain may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as bloating, difficulty urinating, or constipation. If you are experiencing any type of pelvic pain, it is important to see your doctor so that the cause can be determined and treated appropriately.
• Back pain: If you're experiencing any type of back pain that is new or different from your usual aches and pains, it's important to see your doctor to get checked out. Back pain caused by ovarian cancer may feel different than other types of back pain because it is often caused by the tumor pressing on nerves or organs in the pelvis.
• Constipation or diarrhea: If you are experiencing either constipation or diarrhea, it is important to consult with your doctor to rule out any potential causes. Ovarian cancer is one possible cause of these symptoms, so it is important to be evaluated by a doctor if you are experiencing any changes in your bowel habits.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

There are several ways to diagnose ovarian cancer. The most common method is a pelvic exam, in which the doctor feels the ovaries and uterus for any lumps or abnormalities. An ultrasound may also be used to get a better look at the ovaries. If the doctor suspects cancer, a biopsy will be done to remove a small sample of tissue from the ovary for testing.

Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

There are different types of treatment for ovarian cancer, depending on the stage of the cancer.

If the cancer is in its early stages, surgery may be the only treatment necessary. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may be removed through a laparoscopic procedure, which is a minimally invasive surgery.

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary in addition to surgery. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells.

Clinical trials testing new treatments for ovarian cancer are always taking place. Some women with ovarian cancer may choose to participate in these trials in order to access potentially groundbreaking treatments.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer can be a difficult disease to detect, as symptoms often do not appear until the cancer has progressed. However, there are some common ovarian cancer symptoms that women should be aware of, including bloating, pelvic pain, and difficulty eating or feeling full. If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it is important to see your doctor so that they can rule out other potential causes. Early detection is critical when it comes to ovarian cancer, so don't hesitate to get checked out if you have any concerns.