Cancer is a disease of uncontrolled growth of cells in any part of an animal body. Cancer is named after the primary site where the disease originates from. Therefore, ovarian cancer refers to the type of cancer that starts in ovaries. 

Ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system. A female body has two ovaries. Each ovary is of the size of an almond. They secrete two hormones – estrogen and progesterone – as well as produce eggs. The cancerous cells in the ovaries multiply quickly and if not diagnosed and treated in the earliest stage, can invade the neighboring regions and even the distant organs of the body.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

In the earlier stages, ovarian cancer does not show any symptoms. Even if the symptoms surface, these are often believed to have been triggered by mild benign conditions. 

The commonest symptoms of ovarian cancer are as follows:

• Abdominal Swelling or Bloating
• Discomfort in the Pelvic Region
• Feeling Full Quickly
• Unintended Weight Loss
• Persisting Fatigue
• Lingering or Worsening Back Pain
• Frequent Urge to Urinate
• Changes in Bowel Habits (For Example, Constipation) 

One may experience one symptom or a constellation of symptoms. The type of symptom one may experience also depends on the stage of the cancer. 

Talk to the best surgical oncologist in Kolkata if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms. 

Ovarian Cancer Stages

Ovarian cancer can be roughly categorized into four stages –  

• Stage I
• Stage II
• Stage III
• Stage IV

The lower the stage, the lesser the cancer has spread and the higher the stage, the more the disease has spread. Stage 4 is also referred to as metastatic ovarian cancer, which means that the disease has invaded the distant organs of the body. 

The oncologists use three factors to stage ovarian cancer – T, N and M. T refers to the size of the tumor, N refers to the  number of the lymph nodes affected and M refers to if the cancer has metastasized to any distant part of the body such as lungs, liver etc. 

Ovarian Cancer Causes

Scientists are yet to identify the reasons that cause ovarian cancer. However, the oncologists have found out the risk factors for the disease. Having one or more of these risk factors, however, does not mean you will certainly get the disease. 

Following are the risk factors for ovarian cancer:

• Older Age
• Overweight or Obesity
• Endometriosis 
• Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Not Experiencing Pregnancy 
• Inherited Gene Changes 
• If someone in your family has or had ovarian cancer

Ovarian Cancer Treatment 

Treatment for ovarian cancer largely depends on the stage of the cancer. If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a team of oncologists and radiologists will decide the course of treatment based on your medical reports that include pathological tests, USG/MRI/PET-CT SCAN, Tumor Profile etc. 

The oncologists will also take into account your age, fitness level, and other medical conditions  before suggesting a treatment plan. The oncologists always weigh the benefits and side effects of each treatment. 

The conventional approach to ovarian cancer treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.