Ovarian Cancer - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Ovarian cancer is cancer that occurs in ovarian tissue. Ovarian cancer more often happens to women postmenopause.  

Until now, the cause of ovarian cancer is not known with certainty. However, ovarian cancer is more common in elderly women (elderly) and women who have a family history of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer that is detected at an early stage is easier to treat than ovarian cancer that is detected at an advanced stage. Therefore, it is important to have regular check-ups with a gynecologist after menopause.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Ovarian cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages. Therefore, ovarian cancer is usually only detected when it has entered an advanced stage or has spread to other organs.

Symptoms of advanced stages of ovarian cancer are also not very typical and resemble other diseases. Some of the symptoms experienced by patients with ovarian cancer are:

  • Bloated.
  • Get full quickly.
  • Nauseous.
  • Stomach ache.
  • Constipation (constipation).
  • Swelling of the stomach.
  • Weight loss.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Lower back pain.
  • Pain during sex.
  • Bleeding from the vagina.
  • Changes in the menstrual cycle, in patients who are still menstruating.

When to go to the doctor

Women on hormone replacement therapy to relieve menopausal symptoms should discuss the benefits and risks of this therapy with their doctor.

Hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of ovarian cancer, especially in women whose family members have had ovarian or breast cancer.

If you often experience symptoms of indigestion, such as flatulence, early satiety, stomach pain, or constipation, especially if it has been going on for 3 weeks, consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will perform an examination to find the cause of these symptoms.

Causes of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer occurs due to genetic changes or mutations in ovarian cells. These cells become abnormal, and grow rapidly and uncontrollably.

Until now, the cause of the genetic mutation is not known with certainty. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of experiencing it, namely:

  • Over 50 years old.
  • Smoke.
  • Undergoing hormone replacement therapy during menopause.
  • Have a family member who has had ovarian or breast cancer.
  • Suffering from obesity.
  • Have had radiotherapy.
  • Have had endometriosis or certain types of ovarian cysts.
  • Has Lynch syndrome.

In addition, the habit of frequently using powder in the vagina can also increase the risk of ovarian cancer. However, this still needs to be investigated further.

Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

To diagnose ovarian cancer, the doctor will first ask the patient's symptoms and medical history. In addition, the doctor will also ask whether there are family members who have had ovarian cancer or breast cancer.

Then the doctor will perform a physical examination, especially in the pelvic area and genital organs. If it is suspected that ovarian cancer is suspected, the doctor will ask the patient to undergo further examinations in the form of:

  • Scan

    The initial scanning method used to detect ovarian cancer is an abdominal ultrasound. After that, a CT scan or MRI can be done.

  • Test ddirection

    A blood test is done to detect the protein CA-125, which is a marker of ovarian cancer.

  • Biopsy

    In this examination, the doctor will take a sample of ovarian tissue for examination in the laboratory. This examination can determine whether the patient has ovarian cancer or not.

Ovarian Cancer Stage

Based on the severity, ovarian cancer is divided into 4 stages, namely:

  • Stage 1

    Cancer is only in the ovaries, either one or both ovaries, and has not spread to other organs.

  • Stage 2

    Cancer has spread to tissues in the pelvic cavity or uterus.

  • Stage 3

    Cancer has spread to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), the surface of the intestine, and the lymph nodes in the pelvis or abdomen.

  • Stage 4

    Cancer has spread to other organs that are far away, such as the kidneys, liver, or lungs.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Treatment for ovarian cancer varies, depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient's condition, and the patient's desire to have children. But in general, the main treatments for ovarian cancer include:

Operation

The operation performed is to remove the ovaries, either one or both ovaries, depending on the patient's condition. In addition to only removing the ovaries, surgery can also be performed to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) and surrounding tissue, if the cancer has spread.

The doctor will explain the benefits and risks of the surgery performed. Some types of surgery can prevent a person from having more children. Discuss with your doctor about the surgery to be performed.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is done by giving drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be combined with surgery and radiotherapy, and can be done before or after.

Chemotherapy given before surgery or radiotherapy aims to shrink the size of the cancer. While chemotherapy is given after surgery or radiotherapy aims to kill the remaining cancer cells.

Some types of drugs for chemotherapy are:

  • Carboplatin
  • Paclitaxel
  • etoposide
  • Gemcitabine

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is done to kill cancer cells with high-energy rays. Radiotherapy can be combined with chemotherapy or surgery. Radiotherapy is usually given to patients with early stage ovarian cancer, after surgery.

In addition, radiotherapy can also be given to patients with end-stage ovarian cancer, with the aim of killing cancer cells that have spread to other body tissues.

Therapy psupport

Patients who are undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer will also be given supportive therapy, such as painkillers or anti-nausea drugs, to relieve symptoms of ovarian cancer and reduce the side effects of cancer treatment methods. The therapy is given so that patients are more comfortable in undergoing treatment.

The sooner ovarian cancer is detected and treated, the greater the chances of the patient to survive. Nearly half of ovarian cancer survivors survive for at least 5 years after being diagnosed, and a third have a life expectancy of at least 10 years.

Patients who have recovered from ovarian cancer still have the potential to have cancer again in a few years.

Ovarian Cancer Complications

Ovarian cancer can cause complications, especially if it has entered an advanced stage. This complication occurs because the cancer cells have spread to other organs of the body. Some of these complications are:

  • Perforation or hole in the intestine
  • Accumulation of fluid in the lining of the lungs (pleural effusion)
  • Urinary blockage
  • Intestinal blockage

Ovarian Cancer Prevention

Ovarian cancer is difficult to prevent because the cause is unknown. However, there are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer, namely:

  • Taking combination birth control pills
  • Not using hormone replacement therapy
  • Do not smoke
  • Implement a healthy lifestyle
  • Maintain ideal body weight

In women who have a high risk of developing ovarian cancer, surgical removal of the ovaries before developing cancer can also be done to minimize the risk. This procedure is usually recommended for women who have decided not to have children anymore.