Understanding Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

It is often called the ‘silent killer,’ a misleading nickname that implies it strikes without warning. In reality, ovarian cancer usually presents with subtle, easily overlooked symptoms that are frequently dismissed as minor ailments like indigestion or bloating.

Being aware of the symptoms proves to be a powerful tool in the fight against this challenging disease. In this blog, let's understand what causes this disease, the symptoms of it and the available treatments.

What Does Ovarian Cancer Mean?

Ovarian cancer can be characterised by the development of abnormal cells in the ovaries or fallopian tubes. These cells quickly multiply, affecting the healthy parts of the body. Usually, there are 2 types of this cancer: epithelial and non-epithelial ovarian malignancies.

Epithelial malignancy begins in the outer surface of the ovary and is the most prevalent type, accounting for approximately 95% of ovarian cancers. On the other hand, non-epithelial malignancy is less common, affecting only 5% females as it begins in the cells that produce eggs.

Unfortunately, this type of cancer usually does not show any prominent symptoms until later stages.

What are Ovarian Cancer Symptoms?

Prominent symptoms of ovarian cancer are as follows:

Constipation: It refers to passing dry and hard stools, which can be painful and difficult to pass. It can also limit bowel movements to fewer than 3 times a week.

Bloating: This phenomenon is characterised by a tight or full feeling in your abdomen or lower belly.

Less Appetite: Ovarian cancer can also cause loss of appetite. This can translate to feeling full quickly after eating, even when you are still hungry.

Vaginal Discharge: People suffering from it may notice unusual vaginal bleeding outside of their menstrual cycle or after menopause.

Pain: Women may face pain or discomfort in their abdomen or back due to the tumour.

However, it is important to know that these symptoms alone do not mean ovarian cancer. If these symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, then consult a doctor or gynaecologist.

What are the Main Causes of Ovarian Cancer?

Doctors do not know the exact causes of ovarian cancer. They believe there are certain risk factors which make some women more prone to ovarian cancer. These are:

Older Age: It usually occurs in older women above 60. Therefore, age plays a factor in cell mutation.

Genetic Reasons: Experts suggest that a BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation can cause some ovarian cancers.

Family History: If a woman’s family has a history of ovarian cancer, their chances also become high.

Obesity: Higher body fat releases estrogen in the body. A high amount of estrogen increases the chance of cancer.

Endometriosis: The cells found in the uterine lining start to grow outside the uterus in this condition. It can increase one’s chances of developing cancer.

What are the Stages of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer has 4 stages, each increasing in severity. Let’s understand what each stage means:

Stage I

This is the first stage of ovarian cancer, where the cancer has not yet spread to other tissues. It is only present in either the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. This stage has the highest survival chance. However, only 17% of people are diagnosed in this initial stage. Doctors further divide this stage into 1A, 1B and 1C.

Stage II

In this stage, the cancer spreads to both of the ovaries or fallopian tubes. It can also further spread into other regions of the pelvis. However, the tumour does not go beyond the pelvis region in this stage. Doctors further classify it as stage 2A and 2B. Only 19% cases are discovered at stage II.

Stage III

This is an advanced stage of the cancer and means that the cancer has spread outside of the pelvis. In this stage, doctors may find cancer in the nearby lymph nodes, abdomen or the surface of the liver. There are 5 subcategories in this stage, starting from stage 3A1(i) to stage 3C.

Stage IV

It is the last and most advanced stage of ovarian cancer. The tumour spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or the inner part of the liver. Moreover, it can also spread to the fluid surrounding the lungs, which is known as malignant pleural effusion.

Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Although ovarian cancer treatment cannot cure 100% of the tumour, the goal is to remove as much of it as possible. Common methods include:

Chemotherapy

Doctors usually suggest chemotherapy to remove any cancerous cells that surgery was not able to remove. These anti-cancer drugs target rapidly growing cells and hinder their growth. However, they often cause side effects such as hair loss, gastrointestinal issues and fatigue.

Doctors either use topical creams, oral pills or intravenous methods to provide chemotherapy treatment.

Hormone Therapy

Estrogen plays a part in the growth of cancer cells. Hormone therapy targets the excessive production of estrogen, thereby hindering cancer growth. However, this is not a common approach, and your doctor will decide the best course of action.

Hormone therapy works best on low-grade tumour cells and does not work if someone is suffering from advanced ovarian cancer.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common form of treatment for ovarian cancer. It involves removing the patient’s ovaries and other organs which contain tumours. Doctors may remove one ovary or the entire reproductive organs, based on the staging. There are both laparoscopic and laparotomic options available for surgery.

Radiation Therapy

Although rare, radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill tumour cells. However, doctors may only suggest radiation therapy in cases of recurrent cancer or an advanced stage. External beam radiation is the most common form, while other forms, such as IMRT, brachytherapy and Intraperitoneal radioactive isotopes can also be used.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy attacks the very nature of cancer cells. They modify how the tumour spreads, making them inactive. Moreover, unlike chemotherapy, they do not attack normal and healthy cells. The most common type of targeted therapy is PARP inhibitors, which attack DNA repair.

As we can see, treating ovarian cancer requires recurring medical expenses that can quickly drain all your savings. But with Bajaj General Insurance’s Criti Care insurance plan, you can navigate these costs easily. Spend time with your loved ones in this trying time, while we cover your finances!

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, navigating an ovarian cancer diagnosis requires knowledge and timely action. By remaining vigilant about subtle bodily changes and engaging in open conversations with healthcare providers about personal and familial risk factors, individuals can significantly improve their chances of early detection.

While the journey through treatment, spanning surgery, chemotherapy, and increasingly precise targeted therapies, can be challenging, ongoing advances in research offer hope for more effective treatments and a better quality of life.

FAQs About Ovarian Cancer

Can ovarian cancer be cured?

Doctors can cure or treat ovarian cancer if it is detected early. Treatments like complete removal of the ovaries or chemotherapy can help in getting rid of the tumour.

What is the life expectancy of someone with stage 1 ovarian cancer?

If someone is suffering from stage 1 ovarian cancer, then they have a 90% to 95% 5-year survival rate. Moreover, people with low-grade tumours have even higher survival rates.

What is the biggest indicator of ovarian cancer?

Although there is no ‘biggest’ indicator of ovarian cancer, persistent abdominal bloating and pelvic pain are major symptoms. If you face these, then immediately consult a doctor.

What is the last stage of ovarian cancer?

The last stage of ovarian cancer is Stage IV, where the tumour has metastasised. This means that the tumour has spread to other parts of the body. These may include lungs, spleen, or nearby lymph nodes.

Can ovarian cancer cause coughing?

Researchers report that ovarian cancer causes coughing. It is often a sign that the tumour has spread, often to the lungs. However, only coughing doesn't indicate ovarian cancer.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.