Understanding Ovarian Cancer: Key Symptoms and Stages
This comprehensive overview highlights the early warning signs, risk factors, diagnostic procedures, and staging of ovarian cancer. Recognizing symptoms early can lead to prompt treatment and better prognosis, emphasizing the importance of awareness and regular check-ups for women at risk.
The ovaries play a vital role in hormone production, including estrogen and progesterone, and are responsible for releasing eggs. Occasionally, abnormal ovarian cells form tumors, leading to ovarian cancer that can spread to nearby organs like the bladder and intestines. While ovarian cancer is relatively common, early detection through awareness of symptoms can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
In early stages, symptoms are often subtle and resemble other ailments, making diagnosis challenging.
Abdominal swelling
Discomfort in the abdomen
Feeling full quickly during meals
Frequent urination
Digestive issues
Persistent fatigue
Constipation
Heartburn
Irregular menstrual cycles
Pain during sex
Symptoms tend to intensify as tumors grow and may vary in onset. If these signs last over two weeks, medical consultation is advised immediately.
Although the exact cause remains unknown, risk factors include family history of ovarian cancer, endometriosis, childbirth history, hormonal treatments, obesity, previous cancers, genetic mutations like BRCA1/2, and menopause.
Diagnosis begins with pelvic exams, complemented by transvaginal ultrasounds, CT scans, blood tests for tumor markers, and biopsies to determine the presence and extent of cancer. Treatment options depend on the cancer stage:
Stage I: Tumors are confined to one or both ovaries; may spread outside as they grow.
Stage II: Cancer reaches fallopian tubes and uterus, possibly spreading to the bladder or rectum.
Stage III: Spread occurs to abdominal lining and lymph nodes, possibly affecting liver and spleen.
Stage IV: The most advanced, with metastasis to lungs, brain, or other distant organs.
