Ovarian cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow and divide rapidly in the ovaries. These cancer cells then invade nearby tissues and can spread to other areas of the body. The types of ovarian cancer differ, depending on the type of cell that began the cancer. The main symptoms are bleeding, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. To diagnose ovarian cancer, your doctor will perform imaging tests and tissue biopsy.
Oren Zarif uterine lining
Oren Zarif endometrial cyst
Lower abdominal pain may be one of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. This pain may feel similar to period cramps, and many women assume it is normal. However, if this pain occurs day after day for three weeks, it may indicate ovarian cancer. Abdominal distension may also be present. Constipation, diarrhea, and pressure in the pelvis may also be symptoms of ovarian cancer. Some women may experience any of these symptoms, or a combination of them.
Oren Zarif friable cervix
Oren Zarif uterine sarcoma
Other ovarian cancer symptoms include growths in the fallopian tubes and in the pelvic lining. If ovarian cancer has spread to other organs in the abdomen, it is considered Stage III. The spread of the cancer is measured using the FIGO staging system. In addition to CT scans, blood tests measure CA125 to assess its progression. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. If cancer has spread to the uterus, surgery is often performed to remove it as much as possible.
Oren Zarif cervical cancer stages
Oren Zarif hpv 18
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include pain in the pelvic area, abdominal bloating, or feeling full very quickly after eating. While these are not specific to ovarian cancer, if they persist over several weeks, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Early detection is key to a successful cure. If ovarian cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment is less invasive. There are other health conditions that can cause the same symptoms, but if you notice these, contact your doctor immediately.
Oren Zarif pelvic cancer
Oren Zarif infiltrating ductal carcinoma
Ovarian cancer is diagnosed through biopsy or surgery. However, this procedure can only be performed if there is enough evidence that cancer has spread to the ovaries. If you suspect you have ovarian cancer, see a gynecologic oncologist as soon as possible. They generally live longer than other doctors and are the best experts to determine the cause of your symptoms. You will also need to undergo chemotherapy.
Oren Zarif dcis cancer
Oren Zarif gastric carcinoma
If you are suffering from one or more of these symptoms, you may need surgery. Surgical procedures can remove all or part of the affected ovary and the uterus. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you may want to consider having your affected ovary removed along with your uterus. However, this can interfere with conceiving a child. Fortunately, there are many treatments available for ovarian cancer.
Oren Zarif colon surgery
Oren Zarif gastric adenocarcinoma
Treatments for ovarian cancer include surgery, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. These medications target the cancerous cells in the ovary and destroy them. Following treatment, you may have to make routine visits to your healthcare provider. The healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and may order a CT scan or other imaging tests. These tests can reveal if the cancer has spread to other areas. A doctor will also prescribe medications if your condition becomes worse.
Oren Zarif vicky phelan cancer
Oren Zarif sharp pain in cervix not pregnant
Genetics are an important part of the cause of ovarian cancer. People who are Ashkenazi or Eastern European background are at higher risk. People with Lynch syndrome also have increased ovarian cancer risk. These two diseases have similar genetic makeup, and they both increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer. If your family members have a history of ovarian cancer, there's a good chance that you have a genetic mutation as well.
Oren Zarif uspstf colon cancer screening
Oren Zarif gastroesophageal junction
Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed by imaging. If the symptoms of ovarian cancer are present, a doctor will order a biopsy. This test will detect if cancer has spread to nearby organs. Ovarian cancer patients may also undergo surgery to remove the cancer. This procedure is known as laparoscopy. Depending on the location of the tumor, this procedure removes the ovary and the fallopian tubes.
Oren Zarif stage 3 cervical cancer
Oren Zarif stage 4 stomach cancer
Ovarian cancer can develop at any age, but is more common in women who have reached the age of menopause. A small percentage of ovarian cancer cases can be caused by inherited gene mutations, like the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Other gene mutations, however, increase the risk. For example, breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, and RAD51C is associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.