Ovarian cancer ranks 5th among the causes leading to death among women. In fact, ovarian cancer is responsible for more deaths than any other reproductive system cancer. 1 out of 78 women is at the risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime.
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2020, around 21,750 women will show the possible signs of ovarian cancer along in the United States.
Using talcum in the genital area can increase the chances of developing mesothelioma and ovarian cancer in women. Due to this, thousands of people have filed talcum powder lawsuits against baby powder manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson in recent times.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
When abnormal cells begin to multiply out of control in the ovary and form a tumor is known as ovarian cancer. It can spread to other body parts if left untreated.
Ovaries are the female reproductive glands that produce eggs or ova. Other than producing eggs, ovaries are responsible for producing various female hormones- progesterone and estrogen.
Check out for the early warning signs as they are the early symptoms are vague and easy to dismiss.
Early Warning Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer
Early symptoms of ovarian cancer are easy to overlook because they’re similar to other common diseases. The common early symptoms include:
- An Increased Urge To Urinate
- Difficulty In Eating
- Abnormal Fullness After Eating
- An Increase In Urination
- Abdominal Bloating, Pressure, And Pain
Other serious Ovarian cancer symptoms, such as:
- Painful intercourse
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Fatigue
- Irregular menstruation
- Heartburn
- Back pain
- Dermatomyositis (causing inflamed muscles, muscle weakness, skin rash, etc.)
These symptoms may occur for various other numbers of reasons, however, they are not only the possible signs of ovarian cancer. Please consult with your doctor if you experience any of these new and unusual symptoms even if they are temporary.
Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer
Various factors that cause ovarian cancer and the exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. The factors that increase the chances of getting ovarian cancer are:
- Obesity
- No history of pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- A personal history of colon, uterine, or breast, cancer
- A family history of ovarian cancer
- Genetic mutations
- The use of certain hormone therapies or fertility drugs
- Age factor, as most of the cases of ovarian cancer, develop after menopause.
- Using various beauty products that contain asbestos-like substances causes talcum powder ovarian cancer.
These are not the only possible risk factors to have ovarian cancer, there are chances. It is possible to have ovarian cancer without showing any symptoms. Likewise, if you have such risk factors, it doesn’t mean that you will get ovarian cancer in the future.
Types Of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is developed by the presence of an abnormal cell in the ovaries. There are three types of cells in ovaries and each cell is responsible for developing different type of tumor:
- Epithelial- It forms in the outer layer of ovaries and causes 90 percent of ovarian cancers
- Stromal- It develops in the hormone-producing cells and causes 7 percent of ovarian cancers
- Germ Cell- It grows in the egg-producing cells and germ cell tumors are very rare.
Ovarian Cysts
An ovarian cyst develops in or around the ovary. It is a collection of air or fluid which usually are not cancerous. The ovarian cyst is a part of the ovulation and it is more of a concern if you aren’t ovulating. If an ovarian cyst form even after menopause, it is time to consult your doctor.
Your doctor may suggest some tests to find out the possible cause of the cyst, and the doctor will remove it surgically if it doesn’t go away within a few months.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
Ovarian cancer can be diagnosed with the help of a pelvic exam. It helps the doctor to discover irregularities. The small ovarian tumors are very difficult to find. But over time, when it grows, it presses against the rectum and bladder.
A rectovaginal pelvic examination will be able to detect irregularities. Your doctor may suggest the following tests:
- Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS)
- A blood test to determine the cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels
- Abdominal and pelvic CT scan
- Biopsy- by taking a small sample of tissue to diagnose it further
Treatment
The actual treatment of ovarian cancer depends on how far cancer has spread. Your doctor will perform a test and the result will determine the treatment plan. It will most likely one of the following:
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery to stage and remove the cancer
Conclusion
Its cure depends on various factors, including your overall health, the stage of cancer at diagnosis, and how your body responds to treatment. Keep in mind that every cancer is unique and the stage of the cancer is one of the most important factors of your treatment.
