Ovaries are one of the most important parts of the woman’s reproductive system. There are times though, when they may develop tumors. (Cystic-compact)
Such tumors may be:
- benign
- of medium malignancy
- malignant
Cancers are divided in epithelial and non epithelial. The most common one is that of epithelial cancer.
What are the reasons for developing ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer causes are not clear. Yet we can refer to some determining factors and situations that may burden a woman’s reproductive system and encourage the appearance of a tumor in it.
Some of these factors may be:
- Hereditary factors (relative with ovarian cancer)
- Hormonical factors
What are the symptoms?
Initially, symptoms are not obvious. They usually start in the form of:
- acid reflux
- swelling
- general discomfort in the abdomen area
- dizziness
- constipation or diarrhea
- fatigue
- altered menstruations
It should be noted though, that all of the above symptoms may appear without necessarily meaning that there is a situation of ovarian cancer.
How do we get a diagnosis?
- with an MRI
- with a CT scan
- examination through the vagina to check if there are any tumors
- with blood tests to check possible tumor markers, which are chemical substances in the blood caused by cancer cells.
- with an abdominal ultrasound
- with a vaginal ultrasound
What are the stages of ovarian cancer?
- Tracing it in an ovary.
- Spreading in near organs
- Spreading in the inner parts of the abdomen and the pelvis.
- Spreading in the lungs and the lymph nodes.
How is it treated?
- Usually , this type of epithelial cancer is treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Non -epithelial cancer and marginal tumors are usually treated exclusively with surgery