Types of Ovarian Cancer
The type of ovarian cancer is classified based on the ovarian cell types from which the cancer originates. This may include:
- Epithelial cells: The most common type, originating from the outer lining of the ovary. It includes subtypes like serous, mucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell carcinomas.
- Germ cells: Develop from the cells that produce eggs. These cancers are rare and usually affect younger women. Examples include dysgerminomas and teratomas.
- Sex cord stromal cells: Arise from the connective tissue that holds the ovary together and produce hormones. These are rare and may produce excess hormones like estrogen or testosterone.
Stages of Ovarian Cancer
The term ‘Staging’ describes how far the cancer has spread in the body. Based on that, the cancer has been divided into 4 stages;
- Stage I: Confined to one or both ovaries
- Stage II: Spread to the pelvis (e.g., uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder)
- Stage III: Spread to the abdomen or nearby lymph nodes
- Stage IV: Spread to distant organs like the liver or lungs
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer often remains unnoticed until it spreads within the pelvis and abdomen. In the early stages, it may have few or no symptoms at all; however, in advanced stages, the following symptoms may appear:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Difficulty eating or feeling full after small meals
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Changes in bowel habits (e.g., constipation or diarrhea)
- Persistent indigestion or nausea
- Fatigue or low energy
- Menstrual irregularities (in premenopausal women)
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Back pain
- Changes in the appearance or size of the abdomen
How to Check for Ovarian Cancer at Home?
You can’t diagnose ovarian cancer at home, but if you notice any of the above symptoms lasting more than two weeks, keep track of them. Persistent signs—especially bloating, pelvic pain, or frequent urination—should be discussed with a gynecologist for proper evaluation.
Causes of Ovarian Cancer
The exact cause is still unknown; it is believed that genetic mutations (changes in DNA) play a key role. However, the following factors may increase the risk:
- Family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Age (common in women over 50 years)
- Personal history of cancer (especially breast or colon cancer)
- Never been pregnant
- Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 50)
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Endometriosis
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Use of fertility treatment drugs (long-term or high-dose)
- Use of talcum powder in the genital area (controversial but studied)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer
If your doctor is suspicious based on your symptoms or physical exam, the following diagnostic tests may be recommended to confirm ovarian cancer:
- Imaging Tests
- Ultrasound (Transvaginal or Abdominal): Helps visualize the ovaries and detect abnormal masses or fluid.
- CT Scan or MRI: Used to determine the size, shape, and spread of ovarian tumors.
- PET Scan: May be used in some cases to detect cancer spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
- Blood Tests
- CA-125 Test: Measures the level of a protein (cancer antigen 125) which is often elevated in ovarian cancer.
- HE4 Test: Another tumor marker that may help in diagnosis, especially when combined with CA-125.
- Other blood tests: To check overall health and organ function.
- Biopsy
- Tissue sample collected during laparoscopy or surgery is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence and type of cancer cells.
- Genetic Testing
- It may be recommended to look for mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, or other genes linked to hereditary ovarian cancer.
Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer
The following are the treatments available for ovarian cancer:
- Surgery: Involves removal of one or both ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and nearby affected tissues to eliminate visible cancer and assess spread.
- Chemotherapy: Uses powerful drugs, often given intravenously or into the abdomen, to destroy cancer cells remaining after surgery or shrink tumors before it.
- Targeted Therapy: Focuses on cancer-specific genetic changes (like BRCA mutations) using drugs such as PARP inhibitors to block tumor growth and repair.
- Hormone Therapy: Slows the growth of certain ovarian cancers by reducing or blocking estrogen levels using medications.
- Radiation Therapy: Applies high-energy radiation to specific areas, typically used when cancer is localized or for symptom relief in advanced stages.
- Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system detect and attack ovarian cancer cells more effectively.
The main goal of ovarian cancer treatment is to eliminate or control cancer cells as much as possible, either through a single approach or a combination of methods.
Also Read:- Chemotherapy cost in India
Recovery
After treatment, the recovery phase varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including:
- The type of treatment received (surgery, chemotherapy, etc.)
- The stage of cancer at diagnosis
- The patient’s overall health and response to treatment
During recovery, patients may experience physical and emotional changes, and ongoing follow-up care is essential to monitor healing, detect recurrence, and manage any side effects.
What is the Survival Rate for Ovarian Cancer?
The global survival rate for ovarian cancer is 49% i.e., 49 women out of 100 are still alive five years after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. However, the survival rate varies depending on several factors such as age, the type and stage of ovarian cancer, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.
While the overall survival rate remains a concern, ongoing research, improved screening methods, and personalized treatment plans are helping to increase survival and quality of life for many women.
How to Prevent Ovarian Cancer?
There’s no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer, but you can lower your risk by:
- Knowing your family history of cancer
- Getting tested for BRCA gene mutations
- Discussing preventive options with your doctor if you're high-risk
- Considering birth control pills, which may reduce the risk
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having regular check-ups
Also Read:- Best Hospitals in India
Key Takeaway
Ovarian cancer, the 8th most common cancer among women, often develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. If you're experiencing ongoing discomfort like bloating, pelvic pain, or appetite changes, don’t ignore it. Early consultation can make a big difference. Reach out to a top oncologist in India for expert evaluation, timely diagnosis, and the right treatment plan. Your health deserves the best care.
