We
are talking about the fifth most common female cancer which
also happens to be the most fatal one among all the cancers
of the female reproductive system. Yes, it is the ovarian
cancer. This is more common among white women. In US alone
22,000 women are newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer every
year and about 15,000 die. Overall, 1 in 72 woman are diagnosed
with ovarian cancer during their lifetime.
Ovaries
are two in number, just the size of an almond, that are organs
which release eggs and hormones of the female reproductive
system. Cancer develops in the cells and tissues of the ovaries.
The most common one is the one that develops on the epithelium
or outer surface. During ovulation an egg is released from
the ovary and swept over to the Fallopian tube. A recent research
says that the fluid that is released with the egg from the
ovary has certain growth factors, which damage the DNA of
the adjacent Fallopian tube cells and several high grade cancers
seem to develop from the cells at the ends of the Fallopian
tubes rather than the ovaries themselves. So, lower the ovulation,
lesser is the risk. Hence pregnancy, lactation, birth control
pills all which stop or slow down ovulation plays an important
role in lowering the risk.
There are no clear cut symptoms
or diagnosis for ovarian cancer and usually it goes undetected
until the tumor has grown large or has spread to other adjacent
organs. No screening test or pelvic exam or CA125 blood test
or a transvaginal ultrasound has proved to be an accurate
diagnostic tool. Blood tests, chest x- Ray, colonoscopy, MRI,
x-rays only help in identifying the extent of spread to other
organs, but the abdomen may need to be opened up to confirm
ovarian cancer.
Family history plays an important
role is risk stratification. A woman's risk is tripled if
a first-degree relative like mother, sister, or daughter has
had ovarian cancer. This cancer usually runs in families.
Families may have the mutated versions of BRCA1 and BRCA 2
genes. These women who fall in the 15 to 40% category go on
to develop the cancer by their 50 years of age. However, there
need not be a genetic link to get the disease and 85 to 90%
fall in this category. Fertility drugs, hormone replacement
therapy after menopause and obesity do increase the risk or
in short risk goes up with age. So, if there is a strong risk
factor identification, then removal of ovaries may be considered
as a preventive step.
Surgery is the standard treatment
where one or both ovaries and/or the remaining reproductive
organs are removed. Medicines, chemotherapy and/or radiation
may be necessary depending on the stage of the disease. The
survival rate for this condition is normally 5 years. There
may be cancer left out after the surgery or one may become
totally free of cancer. In any case, periodic follow-up becomes
mandatory.
Symptoms to watch:
Though ovarian cancer is difficult
to be detected early, these are some symptoms to watch.
* Abdominal pressure, fullness,or bloating
* Pelvic discomfort or pain
* Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea
* Changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as constipation
or frequent urination.
* Loss of appetite or feeling full fast.
* Increased abdominal girth or clothes feeling tight around
the waist.
* Fatigue or persistent lack of energy
These symptoms appear to be more common ones, but in ovarian
cancer, the symptoms tend to last longer and become worse
with time. Studies suggest that 43% with ovarian cancer experience
a combination of the above symptoms while only 8% without
ovarian cancer experience the above symptoms. So, no one need
to panic, but definitely ruling out ovarian cancer and doing
a risk analysis is important.
Know about the various stages of
ovarian cancer from our video.
Watch the Video: Stages of Ovarian Cancer
It is not flesh and blood ...
Image credit:randomdysfunctions.com
It is not flesh and
blood
but the heart which makes us
fathers and sons.
- Johann Schiller
Disclaimer: The above content is provided
for information and awareness purpose only. It is not prescriptive
or suggestive or meant to replaces your qualified physician's
advice or consultation.