Ovaries are organs located in the female
reproductive system that produce and store germ cells every month as well as
alter oestrogen and progesterone levels of the female body. Ovarian cancer is
detected when there are cancerous cells or tumours developing in the ovaries.
Ovarian cancer is very common among women in
the age group of 35 to 70, and if detected in the early stages, can be treated
with a 90% chance of survival. There are generally 3 stages of ovarian cancer
which includes three types of cells, the surface epithelium, germ cells and the
stromal cells.
Signs and Symptoms:
It is very hard to identify cancer in the
ovaries at early stages. Most often, the symptoms are:
1.
Bloating
2.
Weight
gain/loss
3.
Back
pain
4.
Sexual
pain
5.
Menstrual
changes
6.
Constipation,
etc.
Treatment for Ovarian
Cancer:
The most common treatment option suggested
would be surgery which should be done by gynaecologic oncologist. There are
types of surgical techniques used which are:
1.
Initial
surgery
Laparotomy is performed by surgeon
to remove cancerous tissues or tumour from the abdomen. Sometimes, even the
fallopian tube, ovaries or even the uterus are removed as well.
2.
Second
look surgery
In the follow up after the initial
surgery that women do after chemotherapy, laparoscopy as well as laparotomy. It
is better than the first option.
3.
Additional
debulkingsurgery
To remove additional parts which can spread
cancer. It helps reduce the symptoms and prevents relapse. It also removes the
risk of spreading of cancer.
Side effects of
surgery include:
Chemotherapy can lead to many side effects as
it tends to attack the healthy cells along with treating the cancerous cells. There
are medicines to help relieve some of the symptoms, but
these are the side effects that you need to be aware of after chemotherapy as
well as surgery.
1.
Diarrhoea
2.
Hair
loss
3.
Infection
4.
Nausea
5.
Pain
6.
Sexual
side symptoms
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