Until recently, ovarian cancer was known as the “silent murderer” because it usually was not until it had spread to other areas of your body. But recent evidence shows that the majority of women may have symptoms, even in the early stages, and awareness of symptoms may lead to early diagnosis.
Early detection is important, the chance of surviving ovarian cancer is better if the cancer is found early.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are nonspecific and similar to those of many other common conditions, including digestive and bladder. The most common misdiagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, stress and depression.
The key is the worsening of signs and symptoms. With most digestive disorders, symptoms tend to come and go with ovarian cancer, no fluctuation, the symptoms are constant and gradually worsen.
Symptoms
• pelvic pain or discomfort
• persistent indigestion, gas or nausea
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits such as constipation
• Changes in bladder habits, including frequent urination
• Loss of appetite or fullness quick
• Increased abdominal girth
• Pain during intercourse
• The persistent lack of energy
• Back pain
• Changes in menstruation
There are three basic types of ovarian tumors
• Epithelial tumors: About 85 to 90 percent of ovarian cancers develop in the epithelium, the thin layer of tissue that covers the ovaries.
• germ cell tumors: These tumors occur in the follicle producing cells in the ovary and generally occur in younger women.
• stromal tumors: These tumors develop in the collagen and fibrous tissue that contains the ovary.
Etiology
The exact cause of ovarian cancer remains unknown. Some researchers believe it has to do with the tissue repair process that follows the monthly release of an egg through a small tear in the follicle. The formation and division of new cells at the site of rupture may create a situation in which genetic errors occur. Others propose that the increased hormone levels before and during ovulation may stimulate the growth of abnormal cells.
Risk Factors
• Inherited gene mutations: Although the vast majority of women who develop ovarian cancer have not inherited a genetic mutation, the most important risk factor for ovarian cancer is to have a mutation in one of two genes, called cancer genes breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). These genes were first identified in families with multiple cases of breast cancer
• Family history: Family history of ovarian cancer increases the risk of disease from 10 to 15 percent.
• Breast cancer: If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the risk of ovarian cancer is also high.
• Age: Ovarian cancer most often develops after menopause.
• Maternity: Women who have had at least one pregnancy appear to have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. And how many more pregnancies less risk.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): After years of controversy finally confirmed an association between HRT and ovarian cancer, especially for those taking estrogen alone. The risk appears to be higher among women taking HRT for more than five years.
• Obesity: Women who are obese have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Obesity can also be linked to more aggressive types of ovarian cancer.
Surgery
Generally, women with ovarian cancer require a major operation involving removal of both ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, as well as nearby lymph nodes and a fold of abdominal adipose tissue, known as the momentum, where cancer ovarian cancer often spreads.
Chemotherapy
After surgery, most likely be treated with chemotherapy. Side effects include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
Other treatments being studied include gene therapy and immunotherapy, although the first results are still controversial and therefore not included in international guidelines.
Tags: Abdominal, Bladder, Breast cancer, cancer, Depression, Digestive, Hormone, Ovarian, Ovarian cancer, Stress,