Ovarian cancer is one of the important gynecological cancers of which women need to be aware. The disease occurs due to abnormal cell growth in the ovaries that may metastasize to other pelvic or abdominal regions if not detected in time and treated properly. In the case of ovarian cancer, the problem can arise due to its early symptoms being hard to recognize and confuse the patient with typical symptoms associated with menstrual or digestive disorders.
Learning about the symptoms of the disease, risk factors, diagnosing procedures and treatment possibilities can allow women to take proper measures regarding their health state. If you experience persistent or strange symptoms, seeing a specialist who will conduct further diagnosis can help to establish your health condition.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a term used for describing the cancer arising from the ovaries, which are involved in the production of eggs and female hormones. There are various types of ovarian cancers depending on the type of cell from which it originated.
While ovarian cancer may happen at various ages, the probability of getting it increases as one ages. Certain genetic and family history-related factors may also increase the chances of getting ovarian cancer. Certain conditions, such as having inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, may increase the chances of developing ovarian and other cancers.
Having risk factors for a particular disease does not always mean that you will get the disease. In addition, cancer may also be developed by people without known risk factors. Thus, being vigilant about unusual changes in your body is important.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer That You Should Not Ignore
Since ovarian cancer is not easily detectable during its early stages due to its symptoms being non-concerning, one must take note of persistent and unusual symptoms.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
- Persistent abdominal or pelvic pain
- Persistent bloating
- Abdominal swelling or distention
- Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent urination
- Change in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained lower back pain
- Changes in your menstrual pattern
- Painful intercourse
Symptoms of cancer of the ovary can be caused by many other diseases. Presence of any of them doesn’t necessarily mean presence of cancer. However, if symptoms are lasting, recurrent, getting more frequent or simultaneous, it is recommended to see a gynaecologic for further evaluation.
When Should You See a Gynaecological Oncologist?
Gynaecological oncologists are specialists dealing with gynaecological cancers, including cancers of the ovary, cervix, uterus, vulva and vagina.
Consultation with a gynaecological oncologist could be recommended if some examination, scans or any other tests raise concerns about gynaecological cancer. A woman with a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer or known risks of hereditary cancer should be assessed by a specialist too.
Specialist referral doesn’t mean presence of cancer. This way suspicious symptoms or findings can be properly evaluated, and if necessary, treatment can be started as soon as possible.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
There is no specific test for every case of ovarian cancer. Usually doctors take into account a patient’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination and results of tests.
Investigations may involve imaging of the pelvis in the form of a scan, as required. In some cases, further investigations may be needed for confirmation and more information about the mass may need to be obtained by other imaging techniques or blood tests.
There are some cases where tissue sampling or even surgery would be needed to diagnose the problem. The route of diagnosis would depend on the results and circumstances involved.
This is the importance of professional consultation because the interpretation of ultrasound or blood test results could lead to unnecessary stress especially if the whole picture is not considered.
Options for Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
The treatment options for ovarian cancer would be based on many factors like the kind of ovarian cancer the patient has, the stage of the disease, where it is and other patient characteristics.
Treatments would include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted treatments, and others. Surgery may have a vital part in treating ovarian cancer especially if the removal of the cancer is possible.
In certain cases, less invasive forms of surgery, such as laparoscopy, may be considered. Newer forms of surgery might offer advantages, such as small cuts and quicker recovery, among others.
Every case requires an individual approach. A gynaecological oncologist can discuss the various options, their benefits, risks, and further steps according to the diagnosis.
The Importance of Consulting a Gynaecological Oncologist
A suspicion or diagnosis of a gynaecological cancer may be highly stressful. Having a specialist take care of your diagnosis, surgical plan and treatment plan ensures proper treatment.
Dr. Vrunda Karanjgaokar is a Consultant gynaecologic, Gynaecological Oncologist, Colposcopist and Robotic Surgeon. Her medical training involves working in gynaecological oncology in Tata Memorial Hospital, specialist training in London and Fellowship training in gynaecological oncology in the UK. She also has experience in minimally invasive and robotic gynaecology.
Dr. Vrunda Karanjgaokar is the Best gynaecologic Oncologist in Dadar, Mumbai. She consults patients with gynaecological cancers, namely ovarian, cervical, endometrial, vulval and vaginal cancers. Her practice includes colposcopy and laparoscopic and robotic surgery when applicable.
Is It Possible To Prevent Ovarian Cancer?
It is not possible to prevent all cases of ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, it may be helpful to know your own risks and discuss them with your doctor.
Women who have a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer should consider consulting with their doctor regarding hereditary cancer risk. Depending on individual circumstances, genetic counselling or testing may be discussed.
Regular visits to a gynaecologic will also help discuss newly arisen symptoms or those persisting for an extended period of time. Women should not ignore any changes just because they may seem similar to symptoms related to digestive issues, menstruation or aging.
Do Not Let Your Fear Stop You From Consulting
Being afraid of ovarian cancer is understandable especially if you experience such symptoms as abdominal pain, bloating or other changes. However, do not let your fear stop you from consulting your doctor.
The fact is that many symptoms associated with ovarian cancer can have a non-cancerous origin. The main goal of consultation is to find out what causes your symptoms and whether you need more investigations.
Should you have any persisting or unusual symptoms, it is always wise to seek advice from an experienced gynaecologic or gynaecological oncologist, who will clarify your symptoms and help in appropriate treatment of the disease if cancer is found.
Dr. Vrunda Karanjgaokar provides consultation in the field of gynaecological oncology at Mumbai and specializes in diagnosing and treating gynaecological cancers, including ovarian cancer. If you are concerned with symptoms and need a consultation, it may help you get a better idea of your disease and how to treat it.
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