Ovarian cancer: latest news on its modern approach
Normally, the ovaries are almond-sized and produce eggs in women of reproductive age, as well as female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. The two ovaries are normally located in the female pelvis to the right and left of the uterus. In ovarian cancer, ovarian cells multiply uncontrollably and abnormally due to the loss of normal function of genes that control the growth and proliferation of ovarian cells, resulting in uncontrolled cell division and the formation of tumors.
How many types of ovarian cancer are there?
Ovarian cancer can arise from one of three different types of cells that make up the ovary, including:
- Epithelial cells that line the outer surface of the ovary.
- Primary germ cells from which eggs are derived.
- Stroma cells that produce estrogen and progesterone.
70-80% of ovarian cancers arise from the epithelial cells of the ovary or the fallopian tubes, which are located on the sides of the uterus and are the tubes that carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Rarely, however, it can also arise from the peritoneum, which is a membrane that surrounds the organs in the abdomen. Thus, ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer are treated in the same way.
What is the risk for a woman of developing ovarian cancer during her lifetime?
Ovarian cancer affects 1 in 70 women during their lifetime with an average age of diagnosis of 65 years. Only 5% of cases are diagnosed in women under 30 years of age. In addition, ovarian cancer is the most common cause of death among gynecological cancers and is usually already at an advanced stage when diagnosed.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer in its early stages does not show symptoms until it is advanced and these are usually atypical such as flatulence, unexplained bloating in the abdomen, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, rapid feeling of satiety, frequent urination, change in bowel habits with alternating constipation with diarrhea, menstrual disorders, menometrorrhagia, backache and sudden weight gain. These symptoms gradually worsen and become daily and if they persist for two or three weeks, the patient should seek a gynecological examination to rule out the existence of a neoplasm in the ovaries.
Is there a screening test for early detection of ovarian cancer?
For most women, there is no effective screening test for early detection of ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer. For this reason, all women should be informed during their annual gynecological examination about the atypical symptoms of this disease and be aware of any symptoms and changes in their daily habits.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
The gynecologist should perform a gynecological examination and a combination of transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound to see the shape and contour of the ovaries, any cysts within the ovaries or accompanying masses around them, as well as the presence of free fluid in the abdomen.
Depending on the symptoms the patient presents, the gynecologist’s findings from the clinical examination, as well as the patient’s individual and family history of hereditary cancers, will be taken into account for the patient’s further strategic treatment, with both more advanced invasive and non-invasive tests in order to make an accurate diagnosis of the type of cancer, the stage of the disease and the treatment plan.
How is ovarian cancer treated?
Despite all the studies and progress in chemotherapy drugs, surgical treatment is the cornerstone in the treatment of both early and advanced ovarian cancer. For this reason, efforts are being made to treat these patients in specialized centers by appropriately trained gynecological oncologists with further specialization in the surgical treatment of ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal cancer within the framework of an interdisciplinary management after discussion in an oncology council at all stages of disease management. The goal is to reduce both mortality and the cost of treating patients with ovarian cancer.
