Ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system and they produce the egg or the ova for fertilization. In addition to that, they also produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The female body has two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. They are about the size of an almond. Ovarian cancer often goes undiagnosed till it has spread to other parts of pelvis and abdomen. At this stage, treating it can become difficult. However, if it is detected in the early stages, the chances of successful treatment are higher. In the light of the above, 3MEDS, the best cancer medicines supplier in Delhi, intends to discuss the types, causes, symptoms and treatment for ovarian cancer.
The type of ovarian cancer is determined by the site where the cancer begins in ovaries. Ovarian cancer types include:
1. Epithelial Tumors: This is the most common type of ovarian cancer. It this case, the cancer begins in the layer of tissues that cover the outside of the ovaries.
2. Stromal Tumors: This type of cancer begins in the hormone-producing cells of the ovaries. It is easier to detect and diagnosed this type of ovarian cancer at an early stage as the cancer cells interfere with the normal level of the hormones in the bloodstream and the discrepancies in the hormone level can be checked with a blood test.
3. Germ cell Tumors: It is a rare kind of ovarian cancer that occurs in younger women.The cancer cells develop in the egg producing cells of the ovaries.
Cancer begins due to the errors in the DNA of the cells of a person.These errors are called mutations. These mutations cause the cells to grow abnormally and form a mass called a tumor. While it is not clear why these mutations occur, the doctor have identified factor that can increase the chances of developing cancer cells in the ovaries.
1. Age:In most cases, the ovarian cancer occurs in women between the ages of 50 to 60 years.
2. Inherited gene mutation: Some of the ovarian cancers are caused because the patient has inherited a mutated gene from their parents. The genes that increase the risk of ovarian cancer are called breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). They are called such as they increase the risk of developing breast cancer as well.
3. Getting the first period at a young age or reaching menopause at a later age can also increase the chances of developing ovarian cancer.
4. Family history of ovarian cancer: if your close female relatives have ovarian cancer then your chances of developing ovarian cancer is also high.
5. Estrogen Hormone Replacement therapy: Long term therapy and large dosage can increase the chances of having ovarian cancer.
In case of ovarian cancer, the signs and symptoms are usually noticeable when the cancer has already spread to surrounding parts like the abdomen or the pelvis. A person may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
1. Swelling in the abdomen
2. Bloating
3. Weight loss
4. Discomfort in the pelvis area
5. Constipation
6. Frequent need to urinate
7. Irregular period cycle
8. Pain during intercourse
These symptoms do not necessary mean that you have ovarian cancer.However going to the doctor and getting a checkup done is important to be sure. Cancer is more treatable the earlier it is detected.
If you are noticing signs and symptoms of cancer, the doctor will perform tests like biopsy, ultrasound, CT scan and MRI to know the extent to which the cancer has spread. The treatment method suggested to the patient depends on the spread of the cancer cells. The doctor may suggest a combination of the following treatment methods according to the individual’s condition.
1. Surgery: In a surgery, the doctor will remove the tumor and surrounding affected tissues. In some cases, the doctor may perform a hysterectomy. In this procedure, the uterus is completely removed from the body. The doctor may even remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Some of the affected lymph nodes may also be removed during the surgery.
2. In addition to that, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also be suggested to the patient. In chemotherapy, the patient may have to consume medicines by mouth or through injections. They can easily purchase anti-cancer medicines and injections online from 3MEDS.
3. Fertility preservation: In case a patient of ovarian cancer wants to conceive in future,they can discuss various ways of embryo freezing and tissue preservation with their doctor so that fertility preservation techniques can be tried. This will allow them to have a baby in future.
Even though ovarian cancer is not completely avoidable, one can take measures to lower the risk of cancer cells developing. One of the crucial things is to go through genetic testing to find out your chances of developing ovarian cancer in future. This is especially important in cases when close female relatives already have ovarian or breast cancer. Following that, you can discuss your results with a doctor to know what precaution you should take and how frequently you should get tested for cancer.
