Ovarian Cancer: Warning Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Cancer is a difficult topic to cover, but it is even harder if you do not know what to look for in your body. Ovarian cancer affects women of all ages, and the question still comes, could I have seen this coming? Read below to find out about the signals, symptoms, and treatment for ovarian cancer.

Facts About Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer occurs when tumors grow on or around the ovaries These tumors can be benign (not cancerous), borderline (low malignant potential), or malignant (cancer). Ovarian cancer is not the first disease many doctors look for in a patient. One and 78women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime. If diagnosed in the early stages, the five-year survival rate is over 90%. If diagnosed in later stages, the survival rate can be as low as 28%.

Symptoms/Signs

Some symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

·        Feeling bloated

·        Feeling full more often/more easily

·        Abdominal swelling

·        Fatigue

·        Pain in the pelvis or abdomen

·        Back pain

·        Changes in bowel habits

·        Pain during sex

·        Nausea or vomiting

Because ovarian cancer is rare, these symptoms may be attributed to a different condition at first. If they continue to get worse, it is always best to talk to your doctor. Some tests that might help diagnose ovarian cancer include:

·        Family history exam to look for relatives with cervical cancer

·        Pelvic exam to examine the ovaries and uterus

·        Transvaginal ultrasound to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

·        CA – 125 blood test, which uses markers to detect ovarian tumors

·        Trial of medication to see if your symptoms improve

Treatment

Treatment options depend on what stage the cancer is in at the time of diagnosis. If it is in stage one, it may be possible to remove the tumor and diseased organs. If diagnosed at stage two, three, or four, surgery may be performed before chemotherapy to remove the tumor, both ovaries, any affected organs, and the lymph nodes. Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatment options after surgery.

If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and still want to have children, doctors can look into options to preserve your fertility. If the cancer is in an early stage, it may be possible to remove only one ovary and one fallopian tube. Ifat diagnosed later stages, the odds of preserving any fertility are very slim. 

Radiation therapy is also an option in some situations. This therapy uses high energy x-rays and other types of radiation to eliminate cancer cells and stop cancer growth.

Learn More About Birth Control and Breast Cancer

At BASS Medical Group, we work hard to give you the best care possible. Our doctors and specialists can assist in finding the cause of your pain. Get in touch with us today at (925) 350-4044 to find out how we can help you.