Ovaries are reproductive glands found only in females (women). The ovaries produce eggs (ova) for reproduction. The eggs travel from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes into the uterus where the fertilized egg settles in and develops into a fetus. The ovaries are also the main source of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. One ovary is on each side of the uterus.
The ovaries are mainly made up of 3 kinds of cells. Each type of cell can develop into a different type of tumor:
- Epithelial tumors start from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary. Most ovarian tumors are epithelial cell tumors.
- Germ cell tumors start from the cells that produce the eggs (ova).
- Stromal tumors start from structural tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Some of these tumors are benign (non-cancerous) and never spread beyond the ovary. Malignant (cancerous) or borderline (low malignant potential) ovarian tumors can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body and can be fatal.
Each ovarian cancer is given a grade, based on how much the tumor cells look like normal tissue:
- Grade 1 epithelial ovarian carcinomas look more like normal tissue and tend to have a better prognosis (outlook).
- Grade 3 epithelial ovarian carcinomas look less like normal tissue and usually have a worse outlook.
Ovarian cancer is a condition that occurs when the cells in the ovaries grow and divide abnormally. The mortality rate with ovarian cancer is more than other types of female reproductive cancers.
Causes
In general, cancers occur when there is a sudden change in the DNA of the cells. These changes cause the cells to grow and divide abnormally without dying. Thus, it creates a mass of abnormal cells and invades into the nearby tissues and organs, thereby leading to cancers. The cause of ovarian cancer remains unknown. However, scientists have identified certain factors that are linked to a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. These factors includ
- Family history
- Age over 63 years
- Endometriosis
- Obesity
- Gynecologic surgery
- Breast Cancer
Symptoms
It is difficult to detect ovarian cancer during the early stage. Women with ovarian cancer do not experience any symptoms until the condition is in the advanced stage. However, ovarian cancer may commonly cause the following symptoms:
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Difficulty in eating or loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Abnormal periods
- Frequent urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Symptoms during cancer progression
During the early stages, the patient may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. When symptoms occur, the patient may initially experience stomach pain, fullness, and bloating. In later stages, when the cancer is spreading, the patient may have fatigue, weight loss, back pain, and pain during sex. As cancer begins to invade nearby organs, such as the liver or lungs, the patient may have symptoms related to these organs.
Stages
- Stage1 : Cancer is limited to either one or both ovaries
- Stage2 : Cancer has spread to the pelvis or the womb
- Stage3 : Cancer has spread to the lining of the abdomen and surrounding lymph nodes
- Stage4 : Cancer has reached to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs
Risk Factors
- Infection
- Vaginal bleeding
- Bladder or bowel problems
- Blood Clots
- Swelling of legs
Post Procedure Care
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least 12 weeks
- Do not drive for a few weeks
- Avoid sex for at least six weeks
- Perform breathing exercises
- Manage stress
Other traits are also taken into account, such as how fast the cancer cells grow and how well they respond to chemotherapy, to come up with the tumor's type:
- Type I tumors tend to grow slowly and cause fewer symptoms. These tumors also seem not to respond well to chemotherapy. Low grade (grade 1) serous carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma and endometrioid carcinoma is examples of type I tumors.
- Type II tumors grow fast and tend to spread sooner. These tumors tend to respond better to chemotherapy. High grade (grade 3) serous carcinoma is an example of a type II tumor.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment in India
If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your cancer care team will discuss your treatment options with you. It’s important that you think carefully about each of your choices. Weigh the benefits of each treatment option against the possible risks and side effects.
For some people, when treatments have been tried and are no longer controlling cancer, it could be time to weigh the benefits and risks of continuing to try new treatments. Whether or not you continue treatment, there are still things you can do to help maintain or improve your quality of life.
Some people, especially if the cancer is advanced, might not want to be treated at all. There are many reasons you might decide not to get cancer treatment, but it’s important to talk to your doctors and you make that decision. Remember that even if you choose not to treat cancer, you can still get supportive care to help with pain or other symptoms.
The treatment information given here is not the official policy of the NTP Healthcare & Medical Services and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor. Your doctor may have reasons for suggesting a treatment plan different from these general treatment options. Don't hesitate to ask him or her questions about your treatment options.
To get in touch with us, simply submit your questions to our inquiry area. We will propose the finest Ovarian Cancer Treatment Hospitals in India after we have reviewed your enquiry.
