Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Kolkata
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer takes root in the ovaries (one or both) and can potentially metastasise into other parts of the body.
Ovarian cancer comes in many types, the most common being epithelial ovarian cancer, which starts in the cells covering the surface of the ovary. Other less common types include germ cell tumours, which start in the cells that produce eggs, and stromal tumours, which originate in the cells responsible for producing estrogen and progesterone.
The Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can cause a variety of symptoms. However, in the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Pelvic discomfort or pain
- Feeling full quickly while eating
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Abnormalities in bowel habits, such as
- constipation or diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Pain during sex
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It is important to note that a multitude of these symptoms can also indicate other conditions, and having them does not necessarily imply ovarian cancer. However, if you are suffering through any or several of these symptoms and they tend to persist for more than a few weeks, you should consult a gynaecologist to determine the underlying condition.
The Causes and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer
The exact aetiology of ovarian cancer is not known, but there are several risk factors that can skyrocket a woman’s chances of developing this disease. Some of these risk factors are:
- Age: The risk of ovarian cancer rises with age, especially after menopause.
- Family history: Women with a prior family history of ovarian or breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- Inherited gene mutations: Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
- Personal history of breast or other gynecologic cancers: Women who have had breast cancer or other gynecologic cancers such as endometrial or cervical cancer are at a heightened risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy: Long-term use of estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can contribute to the risks of ovarian cancer.
- Infertility or never given birth: Women who have never given birth or have infertility issues have a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer.
Obesity: Obesity is linked with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. - Smoking: Smoking is associated with greater risk of ovarian malignancies.
However, having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop ovarian cancer, and many women with ovarian cancer have no known risk factors.
The Treatments of Ovarian Cancer
The treatment of ovarian cancer is relative to the stage of cancer, the patient’s medical history, and other factors. The main treatments for ovarian cancer include:
- Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment for ovarian cancer, and it involves removing as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. This may involve removing one or both ovaries, as well as the fallopian tubes and uterus. A hysterectomy or the laparoscopic variation of it can effectively rid patients of cancerous growths. The surgeon can remove the cancer-afflicted ovaries, uterus and surrounding tissues with precision through laparoscopic hysterectomy. Often, the hysterectomy is accompanied by bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy deploys drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, or it may be administered before surgery to shrink the tumour and facilitate the removal.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy involves targeting specific molecules or pathways that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy deploys high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used in some cases to treat ovarian cancer.
- Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is sometimes used for women with advanced ovarian cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It involves blocking the hormones that are responsible for the growth of some types of ovarian cancer.
The treatment plan for ovarian cancer is highly individualized and may involve one or a combination of these treatments. The goal of treatment is to completely eradicate cancer from the system, if possible, or to control cancer and relieve symptoms.