Most women today die from ovarian cancer, than all other gynecologic cancers combined. This is mainly because ovarian cancer is still difficult to detect as victims generally think its signs signify something else.

Causes

While ovarian cancer causes are not known, there are some risk factors like family history of ovarian or breast cancer, previous cancer attacks, not getting pregnant, obesity, inherited gene mutation, age of 50 or more and use of hormone replacement therapy, especially only estrogen, for more than 5 years. However not everyone with these risk factors get ovarian cancer, and those without these risk factors can get ovarian cancer.

Symptoms                                    

Ovarian cancer symptoms are not common in early stages, are rather generic, and usually go undiagnosed. Symptoms include gas, bloating, pelvic pain, fatigue, backache, loss of appetite, weight loss or gain, frequent urination, changes in bowel movements, indigestion, upset stomach and pain during sexual intercourse. While these symptoms may indicate other conditions, if they persist with treatment, it is better to consult your doctor.

Diagnosis and treatment

There are no reliable screening tests for this cancer; however if it is suspected, a physical examination of the abdomen and pelvis is done along with CT scans and MRI. Blood tests are carried out to check blood cells and a transvaginal and abdominal ultrasound to create a picture of the pelvic and abdominal contents.

If these tests suggest ovarian cancer, additional tests will have to be done to confirm the diagnosis as not all ovarian tumors are cancerous. For confirmation, a sample of abdominal fluid is examined for cancer cells and a biopsy of the tumor is performed.

Treating and preventing ovarian cancer

Women with a hereditary ovarian cancer risk should have their ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus surgically removed before cancer starts. Treatment of ovarian cancer consists of a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and perhaps radiation. In the early stages, women who want to have children can have one ovary and fallopian tube removed, while knowing there is a risk of the cancer appearing in the other ovary, fallopian tube or uterus.

Otherwise the surgeon will remove ovaries, fallopian tube and some tissue of the abdomen, uterus, cervix and other parts where the cancer has spread. Chemotherapy is then prescribed till there is no detectable cancer through ultrasound or C.T. Some women may require radiation too.

Fox Chase Cancer Center works at providing access to the best technology to cure cancers while preserving life. The equipment available here include a Cyberknife Robotic Radiosurgery System that is best used for treating inoperable tumors through high radiation doses and fewer treatments on any part of the body.