Ovarian Cancer- Symptoms, Causes and Diagnosis

Jun 04, 2019

The ovaries, each about the size of an almond, produce eggs as well as the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Ovarian cancer is a disease that originates from the ovaries. There are two ovaries in the female reproductive system, one on each side of the uterus. One of the most interesting facts about the disease is that ovarian cancer symptoms are not very common. Most often, lack of diagnosis spreads ovarian cancer to parts of the pelvis and abdomen. Moreover, at the later stages, it is way more difficult to treat and proves fatal too. Treatment is more likely to be successful if done in the early stages as the tumor remains confined to the ovaries.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Previously, it was believed that ovarian cancer has minimal or no symptoms at all because of which it was difficult to diagnose. However, over the years, research and studies have confirmed that the deadly disease does have symptoms which, if closely observed, can be identified. Some of the prevalent symptoms of Ovarian Cancer are-

Swelling/ bloating in the abdomen
Fuller feeling when eating/ Difficulty in Eating
Excessive Weight Loss
Discomfort in the Pelvic area
Frequent need to urinate
Changing Bowel Habits like constipation
Menstrual Irregularities
Fatigue
Pain during sexual intercourse
Indigestion

Ovarian Cancer Causes

The cause of ovarian cancer is not very much clear, but doctors have identified a few factors that may be responsible. Some of the factors that may increase the risk of ovarian cancer are-

Aging- Even though ovarian cancer may occur at any age, it is more common in women above 50 years of age.
Family History- For people having a family history of ovarian cancer, there is a higher risk of the disease.
Changes in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2- The genes that increase the risk of ovarian cancer are called breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). However, ovarian cancers are a result of gene mutations that one inherits from the parents.
Late Menopause- Late menopause is said to increase the chances of ovarian cancer.
Early Onset of Periods- If one has an early onset of periods, they are at risk of ovarian cancer.
Fertility Treatment or Oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy- When ones go through it for longer periods of time and in large doses, there is a risk of cancer.
Other Factors like having no children, conceiving the first child later in life, not taking oral contraceptives

Ovarian Cancer Types

One can identify the different types of ovarian cancers from the type of cell from which they originate. Ovarian cancer can be classified into the following types.

Epithelial Tumors- Most of the ovarian cancers develop in the epithelium and occurs in postmenopausal women. The epithelium is the thin layer of tissue that covers the ovaries.
Germ Cell Carcinoma Tumors- There are minimum cases of ovarian cancer that begin in the cells that form eggs. Even though it can occur in women of any age, diagnosis is most likely for women in their twenties too. Many tumors arising in the germ cells are benign.
Stromal Carcinoma Tumors- Some cases of cancer are due to stromal carcinoma. These tumors are known for an early stage diagnosis. The most common types of tumor are being granulosa cell tumors, Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors.
Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary- Also known as SCCO, it is a rare and malignant tumor that affects younger women. It only forms a small part of the diagnosed cases i.e., 0.1%. The types of SCCO are neuroendocrine and hypercalcemia.

Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

If a patient is experiencing symptoms of ovarian cancer, the doctor would suggest several scans and tests to identify tumors, cysts and other visible symptoms. Some of the diagnostic measures are-