Ovarian cancer (a cellular mass—or tumor) is an abnormal growth of tissue (tumor) that develops in woman’s ovaries. Ovarian cancer is created by rapid growth and division of cells (control of growth is lost and cells divide too much and too fast) within one or both ovaries.
What is an Ovary?
Ovary is a part of a female reproductive organ in which female sex hormones are made. Egg cells also develop and are stored in ovaries. Ovaries are small glands which are located on both side of the uterus. Female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced in Ovaries.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:-
There are no fixed symptoms of Ovarian cancer as such that is why it is also called as silent killer. Ovarian Cancer is usually diagnosed when it is in its advanced stage.
Some vague symptoms of ovarian cancer:
- Bloating or Abdominal Swelling:- Clothes no longer fit
- Feeling of Fatigue and tiredness or feeling feverish
- Back pain
- Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge
- Feeling of Pain or discomfort in the Pelvic or abdominal area
- Feeling packed even after eating little amount of food
- Gas formation, nausea and indigestion of food
- Changes in bowel habits;
- Inexplicable gaining weight or loosing weight especially in the abdominal area.
- Pain during intercourse
- Urinary Problems such as Urgency or frequency, Burning, or Spasms
- Breathing problems
Types of ovarian tumors:
There are more than 30 types of tumors which can form in Ovaries. But three major types of ovarian cancer are:-
- Epithelial ovarian cancer: - This is the most common borderline malignant ovarian cancer which arises from cells lining covering the ovaries.
- Germ cell ovarian cancer: - Germ cell ovarian cancers are very rare and are the resultant of the egg producing cells within the ovary. Usually children or teenagers are struck by Germ cell ovarian cancers. The chances of Germ cell ovarian cancer are only 10-15% when compared to epithelial ovarian cancer. Germ cell cancers are initiated from the germ cells that are meant to form eggs within the ovaries.
Sex cord stromal ovarian cancer: - Sex cord stromal ovarian cancers are uncommon when compared to epithelial tumors. Only 5-15% of women have this type of cancer. Sex cord stromal ovarian cancer begins in the cells that produces female hormones and holds the ovaries together.
Treatment of Ovarian Cancer:-
Gynaecologist (Surgeon) and Oncologist ( cancer specialist) give you treament for Ovarian Cancer. Usually there are three main types of treatment given for treating Ovarian Cancer. Treatment for ovarian cancer depends upon few factors like type and stage of cancer, age, general health and other factors which your doctor discusses it with you.
- Chemotherapy: - In Chemotherapy strong anti-cancer drugs are used to destroy cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy: - In Radiotherapy high-energy radiation exposure is used to destroy cancer cells.
- Surgery: - Surgery helps the physician to make a diagnosis and know the precise stage of the tumor and remove tumor mass as much as possible. Surgery is usually done in addition to Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. Once ovarian cancer is confirmed removal of the uterus, removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries on both sides, removal of the fatty tissue that covers the bowels, removal of one or more lymph nodes possibly would be done.
