Ovarian cancer is one of the most common tumors affecting women of all ages, especially after menopause. What is it, what are its types, and what are its most important symptoms? What are its treatment methods and how can it be prevented?
It is an abnormal growth of cells within the ovaries, which may lead to the formation of a tumor, which may be benign or malignant. It's also worth noting that the female reproductive system contains two ovaries, each located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs, along with the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
If ovarian cancer is detected in its early stages, there is a high probability of cure and recovery. However, we note that early detection is not easy.
The location of the ovaries deep within the abdominal cavity makes it difficult to feel a tumor. Furthermore, there is no routine diagnostic test available for ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is important to consult a specialist if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms for early diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
If a specialist suspects this disease, after taking a medical history and performing a physical examination, they may conduct some tests to help confirm the diagnosis, such as:
Epithelial cancers represent approximately 90% of ovarian cancers and arise in the layer of tissue that covers the outer part of the ovaries.
Stromal cancers represent approximately 7% of ovarian cancers and arise in hormone-secreting cells.
This type is rare and develops in the egg-producing cells.
Ovarian cancer generally does not cause any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, the most common symptoms of this disease include the following:
Treatment for ovarian tumors depends on several factors, such as the type of tumor, its stage, and the patient's general condition. The following is an overview of the available treatment options.
First: Surgical Intervention
If the cancer is in its early stages and has not yet spread, surgery may be required to remove only the affected ovary and fallopian tube.
If the tumor is present in both ovaries, but there are no signs of spread elsewhere, the specialist may remove both ovaries and the fallopian tube.
If the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries, the specialist may remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, nearby lymph nodes, and omentum.
If the cancer has reached an advanced stage, the doctor may recommend chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove the largest part of the ovary. Amount of Cancer
Anticancer drugs are used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. They can also be used as a primary treatment before or after surgery to limit the spread of cancer cells.
This type of treatment works by attacking cancer cells, similar to chemotherapy.
It is also worth noting that new targeted therapies for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer are drugs that inhibit the enzyme adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase (ADP), which cells use to repair DNA damage.
There are some factors that can reduce the likelihood of developing this disease, the most important of which include the following:
English
