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Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer
Caused by the rapid proliferation of cancer cells in the ovaries. The main treatment for ovarian cancer is surgery, followed by chemotherapy.
Ovarian cancer is caused by the rapid proliferation of cancer cells in the ovaries. (which is one of the female reproductive organs It acts in the production of eggs and female hormones. The main treatment for ovarian cancer is surgery, followed by chemotherapy.
Symptoms
In the early stages, ovarian cancer is often asymptomatic or asymptomatic. Most of the symptoms shown are similar to those of other common health problems.
The symptoms are as follows:
- feel a lump in the lower abdomen
- flatulence
- Lower abdominal pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
- weight loss
- Anorexia
- feeling tired, tired
- have back pain
- Digestive system problems such as constipation or diarrhea
- pain to urinate more often for unknown reasons
When to consult a doctor
when there are more such symptoms or cause anxiety.
The cause of the disease
The cause of ovarian cancer is unclear. Ovarian cancer begins with a mutation in the cells in the ovaries. when mutated will cause cells to grow and multiply rapidly and lead to the formation of malignant tumors of the ovaries
Types of ovarian cancer
The severity of the disease depends on the cell type and stage of the disease. Ovarian cancer can be classified as follows:
- Epithelial ovarian tumors are the most common type. They are divided into subtypes such as Serous and Mucinous carcinoma .
- Germ cell tumors are a rare type. often found in young people
- Stromal tumors are very rare, but can be detected early.
Factors that increase the risk of ovarian cancer are as follows:
- Age – As you get older, your risk of developing ovarian cancer is also higher. From the diagnosis, most cases of ovarian cancer are found in the elderly.
- Heredity – The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are thought to increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. In addition, Lynch syndrome includes the BRIP 1 , RAD 51 C , and RAD 51 D genes. It is a factor that increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer as well.
- Family history – If there is a family history of ovarian cancer or other types of cancer, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, or endometrial cancer. Patients are at increased risk of ovarian cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy – Hormonal contraceptive pills can reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer. But some hormonal drugs may induce cancer. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using the drug every time.
- Endometrial hyperplasia – if left untreated for a long time can lead to ovarian cancer the onset of menstruation or menopause – a person who begins menstruation earlier or later than the general population will be at increased risk of ovarian cancer
How to prevent ovarian cancer
There is no specific method that can prevent ovarian cancer. However, the following recommendations may help prevent this in the first place.
- Oral contraceptive pills – Taking oral contraceptives continuously for 5 years can reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer by 50% . However, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking birth control pills before you start. take medicine
- Reducing other risk factors – if the patient has a family member with ovarian cancer or breast cancer You should consult your doctor for further genetic testing. If detected, there may be indications for ovarian surgery to prevent cancer. All should consult a specialized doctor before making a decision.
Screening
There is no accurate screening method for ovarian cancer.
Regular pelvic ultrasound A blood test for ovarian cancer is recommended for patients with gene abnormalities associated with ovarian cancer.
Diagnosis
- Internal examination – the doctor will perform the examination by wearing gloves. Insert a finger into the vagina and feel the abdomen with the other hand. to feel the size of the uterus and ovaries
- Imaging diagnostics – pelvic ultrasound ( vaginal or abdominal ) to determine the size, shape and structure of the ovaries. In some cases, additional CT scans or MRI may be necessary to get a more detailed look at the tumor and its spread.
- Blood tests and other organ system functions to check the patient’s overall health. Blood tests for ovarian cancer markers include CA125 (Cancer Antigen 125), CA19-9 CEA and HE4 (Human epididymal protein 4) to increase accuracy. This is the detection of protein substances within the surface of ovarian cancer cells. which can help diagnose the disease.
- Surgery, and biopsy – It’s the most accurate diagnosis. Doctors will have to remove the ovaries and send a biopsy to diagnose cancer. Use the information obtained from surgery to assess the stage of cancer. It is divided into stages 1 to 4, with early stages indicating that cancer has only grown within the ovary. and the final stage indicates that cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- Genetic testing – to check for genetic changes. It is recommended in some cases that it can help determine the most appropriate course of treatment for the patient. which after knowing the result Patients should inform family members of this information. This is because such individuals may be at the same risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Treatment
Surgery is the main treatment for ovarian cancer. Chemotherapy is often combined with surgery. This depends on the stage of the disease and the type of cancer cells.
Surgery
The nature of surgery to treat ovarian cancer.
- Surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes nearby lymph nodes and the adipose tissue that covers the abdominal organs It is the main treatment to treat and determine the stage of the disease.
- If cancer is found in both ovaries , surgery to remove both ovaries and hysterectomy may be recommended in severe cases. or in the case of having enough children or enter the golden age
- Late-stage cancer surgery – In this case, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove as many parts of the body as possible where the cancer has spread.
Chemotherapy treatment
as a treatment guide after surgery It uses chemicals to destroy cancer cells in the body. This may be a method of injecting chemicals into a vein or eating. Adjuvant chemotherapy is often used to destroy cancer cells that may remain in the body. Or in some cases, it may be used before surgery ( Neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to reduce the severity of the disease. in order to be able to surgically remove as much as possible However, in stage IV chemotherapy will be the main treatment when surgery cannot be completely removed.
Another approach to chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is to be used as a step after surgery by increasing the temperature of the chemotherapy higher than the body It is performed (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) before it is inserted into the abdomen and left for a period of time to touch and destroy any cancer cells that may remain after surgery. before rinsing
Targeted therapy
This type of treatment uses small molecules. or mononuclear antibodies to bind to proteins that play a role in stimulating cancer cell growth. They usually have fewer side effects than chemotherapy. The doctor may have to check for cancer cells first. to confirm that the use of targeted cancer treatment approaches is the right approach This type of treatment is often used together with or after chemotherapy.
Hormone therapy
Use drugs to block the effects of estrogen on cancer cells. This is because some types of cancer cells can grow from the hormone estrogen. Hormone therapy is most commonly used in patients with slow-spreading ovarian cancer. or used to treat recurrent cancer
Immunotherapy treatment
The treatment approach uses the immune system to destroy cancer cells. Normally, the body’s immune system does not destroy cancer cells. This is because cancer cells make proteins that help them hide from immune system cells. which treatment in this way will destroy the said process
Palliative care
It is a treatment by a team of doctors, nurses and specialists. To assist in palliative care and quality of life of patients and family members The treatment team will take care of alleviating the pain of the patient. by coordinating with patients and family members including a doctor to help keep the treatment in the same direction Using this method can help patients feel more motivated and able to live longer.
Coping and helping ovarian cancer patients
Coping with and accepting the consequences of a diagnosis can be difficult for patients.
- Talking – Try to talk to someone you trust. This could be a friend or family member. or joining a treatment group
- Seeking Help – Ovarian Cancer Treatment May Be Long And it makes you feel tired and discouraged, so it’s important to seek help from another person when needed.
- Goal setting – Setting goals gives the patient a sense of purpose. knowing the purpose of living and makes me feel that I can still control the situation However, the goals set should be goals that are actually achievable.
Taking time to take care of yourself – Taking care of yourself is extremely important. Whether it’s eating, resting or sleeping. to help relieve stress and fatigue caused by disease
Preparation before seeing the doctor
If the doctor finds that the patient may be suffering from ovarian cancer may be referred for further treatment with an obstetrician in oncology
How to prepare to see a doctor
- Prepare a record of any symptoms you have, including those that may not be related to ovarian cancer.
- Prepare your own medical history in its entirety. including health histor
- Record other personal information, including in the event of a life-changing event.
- Make a list of medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbs that are currently in use.
Things that may be seen by the treating doctor
- General physical examination including internal examination
- Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound Or there may be other tests.
- Blood draw to look for abnormalities including ovarian cancer