This comprehensive overview explains ovarian cancer, highlighting risk factors, early signs, and available treatments. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, with surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation as primary options. Understanding these aspects can aid women in timely diagnosis and effective management of the disease.

Comprehensive Guide to Ovarian Cancer: Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment Strategies

Ovarian cancer develops when abnormal cells in the ovary grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors. If untreated, these tumors can spread to other parts of the body. The ovaries, vital female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone, are primarily affected. In 2017, approximately 22,000 women in the U.S. were diagnosed, with nearly 14,000 deaths. Early diagnosis is difficult due to nonspecific symptoms, with only around 20% caught early. Recognizing risk factors and early signs is essential for effective treatment.

Factors increasing risk include genetic predisposition, family history, obesity, hormone therapies, and not being pregnant. While more common after menopause, ovarian cancer can occur at any age. Symptoms are often subtle, like lower abdominal discomfort, back pain, indigestion, frequent urination, pain during sex, or bowel habit changes. Advanced stages may cause weight loss, nausea, fatigue, or breathing issues.

Treatment options depend on the cancer stage. Surgery may involve removing ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and affected lymph nodes. Cytoreductive procedures aim to eliminate as much tumor mass as possible, especially if spread has occurred. Chemotherapy utilizes drugs over several cycles to eliminate remaining cancer cells and may cause side effects such as hair loss, nausea, anemia, mouth sores, diarrhea, and appetite changes. Hormone therapy, which blocks estrogen, can slow tumor growth but may lead to weight gain, headaches, hair thinning, or fatigue.

Radiation therapy is less commonly used, mainly for localized or early-stage tumors, and can cause mouth sores, nausea, jaw stiffness, swallowing difficulties, dental issues, and dry mouth. Survival rates improve with early detection, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms early. Combining surgical and medical treatments provides hope and aims to help women regain quality of life after diagnosis.