What is usually the first sign of ovarian cancer?
Generally ovarian cancer cannot be detected until it has spread and reached another part of the body like the pelvis and abdomen. At the late stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and heal. Let’s find out more about signs of ovarian cancer!
What is ovarian cancer?
The formation of ovarian cancer occurs when the abnormal cells in the ovary begin to multiply in a huge number irregularly and develop a tumor. If these conditions are left untreated, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body which is known as metastatic ovarian cancer. Based on previous research, only 20% of ovarian cancers can be detected at an early stage.
Types
The structure of ovaries are built up with three types of cells. Every cell can develop into a different type of tumor:
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● Outer layer of the ovaries
● About 90% of ovarian cancers are epithelial tumors. |
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● Grow in the hormone-producing cells
● About 7% of ovarian cancers are stromal tumors |
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● Develop in the egg-producing cells.
● Very rare |
Risk factors
The actual cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. However, there are few factors which can increase the risk of someone to have ovarian cancer:
- Obesity
- No history of pregnancy
- Family history
- Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Personal history of uterine, breast or colon cancer
- Endometriosis
- Hormone therapies or certain fertility drugs
Most cases of ovarian cancer will develop after menopause. You can have ovarian cancer even though you did not have any of these risk factors.
Early Signs And Symptoms For Ovarian Cancer
The most common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain, pressure and bloating
- Pelvic pain
- Abnormal fullness after eating, difficulty eating
- Frequent urination or Increased urge to urinate
Other symptoms which might be include in ovarian cancer are:
- Fatigue and weakness (extreme tiredness)
- Indigestion, heartburn, upset stomach, constipation
- Back pain
- Irregular menstrual cycle (changes in a woman’s period)
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Abdominal (belly) swelling with weight loss
- Dermatomyositis (a rare condition which cause skin rash, inflamed muscles and muscle weakness)
These symptoms may occur for different and unexpected reasons. They aren’t only because of ovarian cancer. Some women may have few of these problems at a certain time. These types of symptoms and signs are often temporary for a short time. If the symptoms persist, it can be due to ovarian cancer.
The Best Way How To Detect Ovarian Cancer
1.Regular Health Check Up
A pelvic exam can be useful because it can identify female cancer at an early stage. The doctor will examine and observe the size, shape, and consistency of ovaries and uterus.
2.Seek Medical Attention If You Have Symptoms
Usually at the early stage of ovarian cancers, patients are asymptomatic. By the time the symptoms appear, it usually has already spread.
3.Special Screening tests
Tests which are used to screen for ovarian cancer :
| ● TVUS (transvaginal ultrasound) | ● Examination for uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
● It can help find a mass in the ovary, but it cannot determine whether the mass is benign or cancer. |
| ● CA-125 blood test | ● Used to measure the amount of a protein called CA-125 in the blood.
● Most of the women with ovarian cancer have high levels of CA-125. ● But measuring CA-125 levels has not been found to be as useful in screening test for ovarian cancer ● The problem of this test is that high levels of CA-125 is more likely caused by common conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. |
The health experts are still in progress in finding and creating new screening tests which are specific and reliable for ovarian cancer. Improvements in screening tests technology will eventually lead to fewer deaths from ovarian cancer
How To Prevent Ovarian Cancer
There is no scientific research which has proven that can eliminate your risk from developing ovarian cancer. However, there are few factors which might lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer:
- Oral birth control pills
- Breastfeeding
- Pregnancy
- Surgical procedures in reproductive organs ( tubal ligation or hysterectomy)
Conclusion
Symptoms become more severe as the tumor grows larger within the tissues and organ. It is difficult and much harder to treat effectively if the cancer is already in the late stage. Please consult with your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms, doctor can help to determine whether it is a sign of ovarian cancer or not.
