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Ovarian cancer is much easier to treat when diagnosed early.

Because the ovaries are in the lower part of the abdominal cavity, a possible tumor will not be felt. If you have unusual or persistent symptoms, it is important to see a doctor.

If your doctor is worried that you may have ovarian cancer, they may recommend a series of tests.

TESTS FOR OVARIAN CANCER

  • Transvaginal ultrasound

For this investigation, the doctor inserts an ultrasound probe into the vagina. The probe uses sound waves to detect tumors in the reproductive organs, including the ovaries. Transvaginal ultrasound can help identify potential formations, but the doctor cannot determine if they are cancerous or not, only a biopsy can tell.

  • Biopsy

The biopsy involves inserting a very fine needle into the abdomen to take a tissue sample from the ovarian cells, which is then sent to a medical laboratory for analysis under a microscope. The results of a biopsy can make a final diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

  • Laparoscopy

This procedure involves making a small cut in the abdomen and insert a thin tube with a camera at the end so that the ovaries can be examined; a tissue sample may be taken for testing.

  • Abdominal echography

An ultrasound examination of the abdomen to create an image of the ovaries.

  • Blood test (tumor antigen CA 125)

Measures the amount of CA 125 glycoprotein in the blood. CA 125 is produced by some ovarian cancer cells. Elevated levels of CA 125 could be a sign of ovarian cancer.

However, an elevated level of CA 125 may be due to conditions such as menstruation, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease. Sometimes the level of CA 125 may be normal in the early stages of ovarian cancer.

  • CT scan

A type of scan in which several X-rays pass through the abdomen from different angles. The result is to create cross-sectional images of the abdominal cavity and pelvis.

STAGES OF OVARIAN CANCER

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, then you will find out its stage. It shows how widespread cancer has been. There are four stages:

  • Stage 1: Cancer affects one or both ovaries and has not spread to the abdomen, pelvis, lymph nodes, or elsewhere.
  • Stage 2: Cancer affects one or both ovaries and has spread to the pelvic region, such as the fallopian tubes or uterus.
  • Stage 3: Cancer affects one or both ovaries and has spread to the lining of the stomach, the surface of the intestine, or the lymph glands in the pelvis or abdomen.
  • Stage 4: It is the most advanced stage of ovarian cancer, it has spread to other parts of the body, such as the spleen, liver, lungs or other organs outside the abdomen and pelvic region.

TREATMENT FOR OVARIAN CANCER

The treatment for ovarian cancer depends on how widespread it is in the body. The goal of treatment is to cure cancer, if possible. If cancer has progressed too far, the treatment aims to relieve symptoms and control cancer for as long as possible.

  • Surgery

Surgery is the main treatment for ovarian cancer. The goal is to eliminate all cancer or as much as possible.

Usually, surgery involves removing one or both ovaries, leaving the uterus intact and so you can have children in the future. However, if cancer has progressed, both the ovaries and the fallopian tubes and uterus (hysterectomy) are removed.

The surgery takes place under general anesthesia. It may take a few weeks to fully recover.

  • Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to attack cancer cells, affecting to a lesser extent the normal cells in the body. Most women with ovarian cancer also undergo chemotherapy in addition to surgery.

The treatment is administered in cycles: a treatment period followed by a break period to allow the body to recover. Most people do 6 cycles of chemotherapy, each cycle lasting 3 weeks.

Chemotherapy can cause some side effects, but it can be controlled with some medications prescribed by your doctor and disappear once the treatment stops.

  • Radiotherapy

Radiation therapy uses carefully targeted radiation beams to kill cancer cells. It is not often used to treat ovarian cancer. Radiation therapy can cause side effects, but they go away once the treatment stops.

  • Targeted therapies

Targeted therapies involve drugs that prevent cancer from developing and spreading in the body. This therapy does not apply to all types of ovarian cancer.

Types of medicine used: Lynparza, Niraparib, Rucaparib.

  • Clinical trials

You can choose to participate in a clinical trial as part of your treatment. It is important to know that there is no guarantee that a new treatment will be more effective.

Cancer treatments can affect the reproductive organs, making a possible pregnancy difficult. If you want to become pregnant in the future, talk to your doctor before starting cancer treatment and determine the best option for maintaining fertility.

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