Ovarian Cancer
What is it?
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of ovary. It occurs mostly in post-menopausal women, and it can run in families.
The ovaries are a pair of almond shaped organs, that are a part of the female reproductive system. They produce a woman's eggs and female hormones.
Ovarian epithelial cancer is one type of cancer that affects the ovary. Other types of ovarian cancer, such as germ cell tumors, are not discussed here.
Like most cancer types, ovarian cancer is divided into stages, according to how much it has spread out of the ovaries into the rest of your body.
Signs & symptoms
Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include belly pain or swollen abdomen.
Other symptoms may appear, such as trouble eating or feeling full, and frequent urge to urinate.
These symptoms are common, and they might be caused by ovarian cancer or by other conditions.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam including a pelvic exam. The following tests will be done next:
-Vaginal ultrasound and other imaging tests such as CT scan or PET scan
-Blood tests- to check for tumor marker called CA125
Treatment
There are different types of treatment for patients with ovarian cancer. The treatment depends on the type of cancer, its stage and your general health.
-Surgery- Most patients have surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. This will often include removing your uterus, fallopian tube and ovaries.
-Chemotherapy- medication that will kill cancerous cells or stop their growing.
☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.
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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:
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