Ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of gynecological cancer and can affect just one or both ovaries. Ovarian cancer does not normally cause signs or symptoms, however, as it develops, a woman may experience bleeding outside of her menstrual period, abdominal pain and a feeling of pressure in the abdomen, for example.
This type of cancer is more common in women between 50 and 70 years old and, therefore, it is important that consultations with the gynecologist are increasingly frequent so that it is possible to identify changes that may be indicative of ovarian cancer. precocious.
It is important that treatment begins as soon as the diagnosis is made, as this increases the chances of a cure. In general, treatment for ovarian cancer involves surgery followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy sessions.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
- Irregular menstruation;
- Bleeding outside the menstrual period;
- Frequent urge to urinate;
- Swollen belly or feeling of a full stomach;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Constant pressure or pain in the abdomen, back or pelvic region;
- Frequent tiredness;
- Feeling of shortness of breath;
- Constipation or diarrhea.
In general, ovarian cancer does not cause any signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, as the tumor develops, it is possible to notice the appearance of some symptoms, and it is essential that the gynecologist is consulted so that tests can be carried out to help identify the cause of the symptoms and, thus, be possible to confirm or eliminate the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
When ovarian cancer is identified in the early stages, the chances of a cure are much higher and, therefore, it is important to be aware of these symptoms, especially when you are over 50 years old.
Online symptom test
To find out your risk of having ovarian cancer, select the symptoms presented in the following test:
The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace a consultation with a gynecologist.
Who is most at risk
Ovarian cancer is more common in women aged between 50 and 70 years, however it can appear at any age, especially in women who became pregnant after the age of 35, used hormonal medicines to increase fertility or who have a history in the family of ovarian or breast cancer.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of ovarian cancer is made by the gynecologist through the initial assessment of the signs and symptoms presented by the woman, in addition to taking into account age, health history and whether or not there are cases of cancer in the family.
In addition, a pelvic examination is performed, in which the gynecologist palpates the woman’s abdomen with the aim of identifying possible changes in the shape and size of the ovaries, and imaging tests are also indicated, such as transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound, so that It is possible to visualize the female reproductive system.
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Another test that can also be requested to investigate the risk of ovarian cancer is the measurement of the CA-125 protein in the blood, as this protein is usually increased in cases of ovarian cancer. Learn more about the CA-125 exam.
Stages of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer can be classified into a few stages according to the characteristics observed in the imaging exam, the main ones being:
- Stage 1: the cancer is only found in one or both ovaries;
- Stage 2: the cancer has spread to other parts of the pelvic region;
- Stage 3: the cancer has spread to other organs in the abdomen;
- Stage 4: The cancer has spread to other organs outside the abdomen, this being the most serious.
Thus, depending on the stage of ovarian cancer, the doctor can recommend the most appropriate treatment to increase the chances of a cure.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for ovarian cancer should be guided by the gynecologist and oncologist according to the degree of tumor development, the woman’s general health and age, with the main objective of eliminating as many cancer cells as possible so that it is possible to prevent spread. cancer and thus promote healing.
It is important that the woman is monitored by a doctor regularly during treatment, as this will allow her to check whether her body is responding well to the recommended treatment or whether any changes need to be made.
1. Surgery to remove the tumor
Surgery for ovarian cancer is the main type of treatment used to eliminate as much of the tumor as possible and, depending on the type of cancer, it can be done in several ways, which include:
- Salpingooforectomia: consists of removing the affected ovary and fallopian tube and, therefore, only one ovary can be removed if the cancer is at an early stage and does not affect both;
- Hysterectomy: it is a surgery to also remove the woman’s uterus, if the cancer has spread to this organ;
- Cytoreductive surgery: It is used in more advanced cases of ovarian cancer to remove cancer cells from other affected organs, such as the bladder, spleen, stomach or colon, for example.
After surgery, recovery time can last up to 1 month, intimate contact should only happen after this period and the return to daily activities should be gradual.
In the case where a woman intends to get pregnant, but needs to remove both ovaries, it may be possible to preserve one or more healthy eggs to later use in an artificial insemination technique, for example.
2. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of medicines that prevent cancer cells from developing and multiplying. Typically, chemotherapy is done with injections directly into the vein, but in some cases pills with the same effect can be used if the cancer is poorly developed.
Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer can last up to 6 months and cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, anemia and hair loss. In addition, the doctor may also recommend radiotherapy sessions with X-rays to complement chemotherapy treatment, especially when there is a risk of the cancer recurring.
