It is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries of women. Ovarian cancer It usually does not show any symptoms in the early stages. It progresses with symptoms such as abdominal swelling, pain, and loss of appetite. Genetic predisposition, age, and hormone treatments are risk factors. Treatment is usually done with surgery and chemotherapy. Early diagnosis increases the success of treatment. It is important to see a doctor.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Persistent or recurring pain in the abdomen and lower abdomen can be an important symptom. Persistent swelling in the abdomen, a feeling of indigestion and a feeling of fullness in a short time can be experienced. Digestive problems such as gas, indigestion, stomach discomfort and constipation can occur. Frequent urination or a sudden urge to urinate may occur due to a feeling of pressure in the bladder. Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain, ovarian cancer could be a harbinger.
Menstrual irregularities or unexpected vaginal bleeding may occur. Unexplained fatigue and loss of energy may also be symptoms. These symptoms can usually be caused by other illnesses. However, if several of them occur together, it is necessary to see a doctor. It is important to have a detailed examination. Early diagnosis, ovarian cancer plays a vital role in the treatment.
What Causes Ovarian Cancer?
Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are at increased risk of developing cancer. Genetic diseases such as Lynch syndrome may also increase this risk. Women with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer are at higher risk. Ovarian cancer It is usually seen in postmenopausal women and the risk increases with age.
Women who have never been pregnant or have not used birth control pills for a long time may be at slightly higher risk. Being overweight is also a risk factor. Endometriosis may be a risk factor for developing cancer. Each of these factors ovarian cancer may increase the risk, but there is no definitive cause. Cancer development can occur in different ways in each woman.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Treated?
The first step in treatment is usually surgery. The cancerous tissue, ovaries, uterus and surrounding lymph nodes need to be removed. Surgery can be extended depending on how much the cancer has spread. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment used to destroy or shrink cancer cells.
It is used to shrink a tumor before surgery or to remove any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It is usually ovarian cancer It is not widely used in treatment.
However, it is preferred in some special cases. Targeted therapy targets specific genes and other molecules that a cancer cell needs to spread. Targeted therapies can be especially useful in cancers that are resistant to chemotherapy. Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that aims to strengthen the immune system.
It is not yet widely used in the treatment of this cancer. However, it is preferred in some cases. Some types of cancer are sensitive to hormones. In this case, hormone therapy can be applied to lower hormone levels. The treatment plan, ovarian cancer It is personalized according to the stage and type. An expert oncologist evaluates the treatment options. He determines the most appropriate treatment method for the patient.
