OVARIAN CANCER

What is it?

• Ovarian cancer is a carcinogenic growth of the cells in the ovaries, which can result in infertility.
• Depending upon the stage of cancer, the treatment may vary between surgical procedures and chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Symptoms

Ovarian cancer shows early symptoms in some cases, like

• Bloating
• Pain in the Pelvic region
• Eating trouble (overeating or under eating, irregular food habits)
• Urinary problems (burning sensation, discomfort)

Causes

The causes of Ovarian cancer are not yet fully known, although it is suspected that genetic mutation within the cell causes it to turn into a cancer.

Diagnosis

Due to lack of any concrete symptoms, it becomes difficult to detect ovarian cancer. Following tests are used to diagnose

• Biopsy of ovarian cells
• Physical examination, including a Pap Test and an examination of the pelvic organs
• Cancer Antigen 125 levels to measure levels of the protein in the cells

Risks of Cancer

• Ovarian cancer can cause permanent infertility
• If the cancer is malignant, it can spread to other organs of the pelvic and abdominal region, and create higher risks to life

Treatment

• The choice of treatment depends upon the long term wishes of the patient in addition to the level of severity of the cancer
• In case of surgical procedures, part or whole of the ovary/ies may be surgically removed (Oophorectomy)
• In most cases, surgery is preceded and followed by sessions of chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy may also be used to destroy the cancerous cells using high energy focused radiations

Any form of cancer can be quite a burden to the patient, physically, mentally and emotionally. It is important for their family members to support them at all points in the treatment and after it, so that they may resume normal activities as early as possible.

Post Surgery

• The patient is advised complete rest for sufficient period, accompanied with rehabilitation
• Cancer can be emotionally disturbing to anyone, and hence, it is important for the woman to have good emotional support after coming through the treatment
• Extreme physical activities should be avoided till full recovery

"Authored By Dr.Niraj Mahajan"