For women at relatively higher risk, genetic tests are available to screen the risk of developing ovarian cancer. They should consultant their gynaecologists about the genetic testing to know whether they carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes which may increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer. In women who carry these inherited genes, surgical removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes can help reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. This can be done after the childbearing years are past.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

The symptoms associated with ovarian cancer can develop at any stage of the disease, but in most cases tend to manifest at the later stages – especially when the cancerous growth puts pressure on the uterus, bladder, abdomen and rectum. The warning signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

Abdominal pain or pressure
Pelvic pain
Pressure in the lower back or pelvis
Abdominal cramping
Bloating
Lack of appetite
Nausea
Constipation
Indigestion or upset stomach
feeling full quickly after starting to eat
Frequent urination
unexplained exhaustion
back pain
Menstrual changes
painful sex
increase abdominal girth or abdominal swelling
weight loss
The irony of the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer is that such symptoms can be due to several other health issues. However, if the symptoms are not responding to basic treatment or persisting for long or continuing more or less daily irrespective of treatment, then consult a Gynaec oncologist or lady surgical oncologist as they could be warning signs of ovarian cancer.

Early Diagnosis is Key to Successful Treatment

Ovarian cancer does not cause any noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

It grows silently – and therefore, early diagnosis is a key to successful treatment. In cases where cancer has not spread outside the ovary – the 5-year survival rate is nearly about 92%.

An oncologist, gynaec-oncologist or surgical oncologist is involved in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The doctor asks the patient about all the symptoms during the medical examination – such as how they began, how long they persist and responded to basic treatment. Next, the gynaeconcologist goes through the patient’s medical history and family history – and then performs a pelvic examination to see whether the ovaries are enlarged, inflamed or whether there is fluid in the abdomen. If the doctor finds any abnormalities during the pelvic examination, then she will order additional tests.

Oncologists recommend the following tests to detect ovarian cancer: Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS); CA-125 blood test – CA-125 protein is a tumour marker – by which the amount of this protein in the blood is measured;

Computed tomography (CT) scans also helps in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer

Biopsy is the usual way to diagnose ovarian cancer.

Treatment

The main treatment for ovarian cancer involves surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy are the other treatment options.

Bottom line

Ovarian cancer remains confined to the ovaries during the early stages. Successful treatment of ovarian cancer is very much possible when it remains confined to the ovary during the early stages.

During the early stages, ovarian cancer that remains confined to ovaries rarely causes any symptoms. Being a silent killer, it subtly and aggressively spreads to pelvis and abdomen in the advanced stages. It remains usually undetected during this stage as well. Once ovarian cancer becomes metastatic and aggressively spreads, it becomes fatal and relatively difficult to treat. Malignant ovarian cancer can spread even to the liver and lungs in the advanced stages. Owing to this reason, the majority of the ovarian cancers are diagnosed in advanced stages. The symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are mostly non-specific even in advanced cases.