Risk Factors, Symptoms and Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

 

female ovary with cancer

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones. Ovarian cancer can affect one or both ovaries, and it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, pelvis, lungs, or liver.

There are different types of ovarian cancer, depending on the type of cell where the cancer begins. The most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer, which starts in the cells that cover the surface of the ovary. Other types include stromal tumors, which start in the cells that produce hormones, and germ cell tumors, which start in the cells that produce eggs.

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not known, but some factors can increase the risk of developing it, such as older age, inherited gene changes, family history, hormone therapy, reproductive history, endometriosis, obesity, smoking, and exposure to asbestos or talcum powder.

History of scientific and medical advances

A historical preview can help you realize how ovarian cancer has been understood and treated over time, and how scientific and medical advances have improved the outcomes and quality of life for patients.

The discovery and development of CA-125: A blood test that measures the level of a protein that is often elevated in ovarian cancer. CA-125 was first identified in 1981 by a team of researchers led by Robert Bast J., who later became the vice president of translational research at MD Anderson Cancer Center. CA-125 is now widely used as a biomarker for ovarian cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis.

The invention and evolution of laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical technique that allows doctors to examine and operate on the ovaries and other pelvic organs through small incisions in the abdomen. Laparoscopy was first performed in 1901 by Dmitry Ott, a Russian gynecologist, who used a cystoscope to inspect the pelvic cavity of a woman with ovarian cysts. Laparoscopy has since become a standard procedure for ovarian cancer staging, debulking, and biopsy.

The introduction and improvement of chemotherapy: A treatment that uses drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy was first used for ovarian cancer in 1956 by Roy Hertz and Minnie Randall, who treated a patient with metastatic ovarian cancer with a drug called methotrexate. Chemotherapy has since become a mainstay of ovarian cancer treatment, with various drugs and combinations being developed and tested over the years.

Recent discoveries in ovarian cancer

You can find some recent discoveries in ovarian cancer drugs as below:

New drug combinations: Researchers have found that combining different types of drugs, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, can improve the outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer. For example, a recent clinical trial showed that adding the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab to the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel improved the survival of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Another trial showed that adding the targeted therapy drug bevacizumab to the chemotherapy drug carboplatin improved the survival of patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer.

New biomarkers and genetic factors: Researchers have identified new biomarkers and genetic factors that can help diagnose and predict ovarian cancer, as well as guide the choice of treatment. For example, researchers have discovered that the levels of a protein called UCHL1 in the blood can indicate the presence and aggressiveness of ovarian cancer. Another example is the discovery of a gene mutation called STK11 that can predict the response of ovarian cancer to immunotherapy.

New insights into the origin and development of ovarian cancer: Researchers have gained new insights into how ovarian cancer starts and progresses from different types of cells and tissues. For example, researchers have found that some ovarian cancers may originate from endometrial cells that migrate to the ovaries during menstruation. Another example is the finding that some ovarian cancers may develop from fallopian tube cells that have acquired mutations in genes such as TP53 and BRCA1/2.

Personal experiences of survivors of ovarian cancer

Personal experiences of survivors of ovarian cancer can be very inspiring and informative for others who are facing the disease. They can also raise awareness and encourage early detection and treatment. Here are some examples of personal experiences of survivors, based on the web search results from Bing:

Adora Rodriguez was only 16 years old when she developed a feeling of heaviness in her lower abdomen, along with severe bloating. She was diagnosed with a form of germ-cell ovarian cancer, known as dysgerminoma, and had surgery to remove the mass, along with her right ovary and fallopian tube. She is now 20 years old and studying to become a pediatric oncology nurse. She says, "I just feel incredibly lucky. If I hadn’t mentioned the bleeding and my doctor hadn’t acted as quickly and definitively as she had, the outcome would have been much different."

Mariangela DiPietri, a 73-year-old mother of three and grandmother of 10, had excruciating pain in her abdomen that was initially misdiagnosed as constipation. She later learned that she had masses on both ovaries, which turned out to be stage 1 ovarian cancer. She had surgery to remove the masses, along with her ovaries, uterus, and lymph nodes. She says, "I want people to know that there is hope—healing is available—there is life after cancer."

Sharolyn Jackson, a 58-year-old mother of two and grandmother of four, was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 1992, when she was 27 years old. She had surgery to remove the tumor, along with her ovaries, uterus, and part of her colon. She also had chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She has been living with no evidence of disease for 31 years. She says, "Almost no one thought I would survive the initial cancer for six months, but here I am 31 years later."

Challenges of early detection

Early detection of ovarian cancer is challenging for several reasons, such as:

The rarity of the disease, which makes it difficult to design and implement effective screening programs for the general population.

The non-specific and vague symptoms of ovarian cancer, which can be easily mistaken for other conditions or ignored by women and doctors.

The lack of a reliable and accessible screening test for ovarian cancer, as the current methods of diagnosis, such as CA125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound, have limitations in accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and cost.

The limited knowledge of the natural history and origin of ovarian cancer, which hinders the identification of risk factors, biomarkers, and early signs of the disease.

These challenges contribute to the high mortality and low survival rates of ovarian cancer, as most cases are diagnosed at a late stage, when the cancer has already spread to other organs and is harder to treat. Therefore, more research and innovation are needed to improve the early detection and prevention of ovarian cancer.

Risk factors of ovarian cancer

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, such as ovarian cancer. However, having a risk factor does not mean that you will definitely get the disease, and not having a risk factor does not mean that you are completely protected from it. Some risk factors for ovarian cancer are:

1.   Older age. The risk of ovarian cancer increases as you age. It's most often diagnosed in older adults.

2.   Inherited gene changes. A small percentage of ovarian cancer cases are caused by gene changes that you inherit from your parents. These include BRCA1 or BRCA2, or one associated with Lynch syndrome.

3.   Family history. Having close family members (such as your mother, sister, aunt, or grandmother) on either your mother’s or your father’s side, who have had ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colon cancer, may increase your risk of ovarian cancer.

4.   Hormone therapy. Taking estrogen by itself (without progesterone) for 10 or more years may increase your risk of ovarian cancer.

5.   Reproductive history. Having your first period before age 12, having menopause after age 50, never giving birth or having trouble getting pregnant, or using fertility drugs may increase your risk of ovarian cancer.

6.   Endometriosis. This is a condition where tissue from the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body. It may increase your risk of ovarian cancer.

7.   Obesity. Being overweight or obese may increase your risk of ovarian cancer.

8.   Smoking. Smoking tobacco may increase your risk of a certain type of ovarian cancer called mucinous ovarian cancer.

9.   Exposure to asbestos or talcum powder. Some studies suggest that exposure to asbestos or using talcum powder on the genital area may increase your risk of ovarian cancer, but the evidence is not conclusive.

If you have one or more of these risk factors, you should talk to your doctor about your risk of ovarian cancer and how to reduce it. You should also be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and report any changes in your body to your doctor. Early detection and treatment can improve your chances of survival.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are signs that something is wrong with your ovaries or other parts of your reproductive system. However, many of these symptoms are also common in other conditions, so they may not always indicate ovarian cancer. Some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

1.   Abdominal bloating or swelling

2.   Quickly feeling full when eating

3.   Weight loss

4.   Discomfort or pain in the pelvic area

5.   Fatigue

6.   Back pain

7.   Changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as constipation or frequent urination

8.   Abnormal bleeding from the vagina

9.   Changes in your menstrual cycle

10.               Pain during sex

These symptoms may vary depending on the type and stage of ovarian cancer, as well as your individual factors. If you have any of these symptoms and they last for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor for a checkup. Early detection and treatment can improve your chances of survival.

Diagnosis of ovarian cancer

Diagnosis of ovarian cancer is the process of finding out if you have ovarian cancer and how advanced it is. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of tests and procedures, such as:

Pelvic exam: Your doctor will examine your vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs by inserting gloved fingers into your vagina and pressing on your abdomen. This can help detect any abnormal growths or masses in your ovaries.

Imaging tests: Your doctor may use ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan to create pictures of your ovaries and other organs. This can help determine the size, shape, and location of any tumors or cancerous cells.

Blood tests: Your doctor may check your blood for tumor markers, which are substances that are often higher in people with ovarian cancer. The most common tumor marker for ovarian cancer is CA-125, a protein that is found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. However, CA-125 can also be elevated by other conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or infection, so it is not a definitive test for ovarian cancer.

Biopsy: The only way to confirm that you have ovarian cancer is to take a sample of tissue from your ovary and examine it under a microscope. This is called a biopsy. A biopsy can also help determine the type and grade of ovarian cancer, which are important factors for choosing the best treatment. A biopsy can be done during surgery or by using a thin needle guided by imaging tests.

Genetic testing: If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or other cancers, such as breast or colon cancer, your doctor may recommend testing your DNA for gene changes that increase your risk of ovarian cancer. These include BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome genes. Knowing your genetic status can help you and your doctor make decisions about your treatment and prevention options.

After the diagnosis, your doctor will assign a stage to your ovarian cancer, which indicates how far the cancer has spread in your body. The stages range from 1 to 4, with 1 being the earliest and 4 being the most advanced. The stage of your ovarian cancer affects your prognosis and treatment plan.

If you have any questions or concerns about the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, please talk to your doctor or health care team. They can provide you with more information and support.

Treatment of ovarian cancer

Treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments may be used in certain situations, depending on the type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer, as well as your personal preferences and overall health.

Surgery is the main treatment for ovarian cancer. It aims to remove as much of the cancer as possible, along with the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and nearby lymph nodes. Sometimes, other organs or tissues may also be removed, such as the omentum (a layer of fatty tissue that covers the abdominal organs) or parts of the bowel or bladder. Surgery can also help determine the stage and grade of the cancer, which are important factors for choosing the best treatment plan.

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. It can be given before or after surgery, or sometimes both. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously (into a vein) or intraperitoneally (into the abdomen). Chemotherapy can help shrink the tumor, prevent or delay recurrence, and improve survival. However, chemotherapy can also cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and increased risk of infection.

Other treatments that may be used for ovarian cancer include:

Hormone therapy: This is the use of drugs that block or lower the levels of hormones, such as estrogen, that may stimulate the growth of some types of ovarian cancer. Hormone therapy can be used as a palliative treatment, which means it can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, but it cannot cure the cancer.

Targeted therapy: This is the use of drugs that target specific features of cancer cells, such as gene mutations or proteins, that make them different from normal cells. Targeted therapy can help stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells, while sparing normal cells. Targeted therapy can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy: This is the use of drugs that stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy can help shrink the tumor, prevent or delay recurrence, and improve survival. However, immunotherapy can also cause side effects, such as rash, fever, diarrhea, and inflammation of organs.

Radiation therapy: This is the use of high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. Radiation therapy is not commonly used for ovarian cancer, but it maybe used in certain situations, such as to treat cancer that has spread to the bones or brain, or to relieve pain or bleeding.

The choice of treatment for ovarian cancer depends on many factors, such as the type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer, your age, your general health, your fertility goals, and your personal preferences. You should discuss all of your treatment options, including their benefits and risks, with your doctor or health care team. They can help you make the best decision for your situation.

Prevention of ovarian cancer

Prevention of ovarian cancer is the process of reducing your risk of developing the disease. There is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer, but some factors may lower your risk, such as:

a.   Using oral contraceptives: Birth control pills for five or more years. This can reduce your risk by about50%, but it may also have some side effects, such as increasing your risk of breast cancer.

b.   Having a surgery: (getting your tubes tied), a hysterectomy (removing your uterus), or an oophorectomy (removing your ovaries). These surgeries can lower your risk, but they should only be done for valid medical reasons, not just for prevention.

c.   Having children and breastfeeding: These can lower your risk by affecting your hormone levels and reducing the number of ovulations you have in your lifetime.

d.   Maintaining a healthy weight and diet: Being overweight or obese may increase your risk of ovarian cancer, as well as eating a diet high in fat or eggs.

e.   Avoiding hormone therapy after menopause: Taking estrogen alone for 10 or more years may increase your risk of ovarian cancer. If you need hormone therapy, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.

f.     Avoiding smoking and exposure to asbestos or talcum powder: These may increase your risk of a certain type of ovarian cancer called mucinous ovarian cancer, but the evidence is not conclusive.

g.   Gettting genetic testing and counseling: if you have a family history of ovarian cancer or other cancers, such as breast or colon cancer. You may have inherited gene changes that increase your risk of ovarian cancer, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or Lynch syndrome genes. Knowing your genetic status can help you and your doctor make decisions about your prevention and treatment options.

These are some of the ways you can prevent ovarian cancer, or at least lower your risk. However, none of these methods are guaranteed to prevent ovarian cancer, and some of them may have drawbacks or limitations. You should also be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and report any changes in your body to your doctor. Early detection and treatment can improve your chances of survival.

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