Ovarian Cancer – Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Ovarian Cancer – Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Ovarian cancer develops in one or both ovaries. This affects women of all ages and often shows no symptoms in the beginning. In the country, about 11-12 women out of 100,000 people are diagnosed with this cancer. Here are the most important  signs and treatment options for ovarian cancer  that you should know about.

Signs and symptoms

  • Abdominal bloating
    One of the earliest symptoms of ovarian cancer is abdominal swelling. In this list of  signs and treatment options for ovarian cancer,  this is one of the symptoms that people usually ignore. The bloating happens because of a fluid called Ascites. This fluid builds up in the abdomen when cancer spreads to the linings of the abdomen cavity from the ovaries.
  • Pain during sex
    The growth of abnormal cells in the ovaries can lead to unusual pain during sex. If you have not had pain during sex before and notice this suddenly, you should immediately consult your gynecologist.
  • Back pain
    Another sign of ovarian cancer that women often ignore is back pain. The fluid accumulation in the body is also the cause of moderate to severe back pain. As the tumor grows, fluid accumulates in the pelvis, and this can irritate the tissues in the back, resulting in pain.
  • Frequently urination
    As the tumor spreads, it puts pressure on the bladder, and you will have the constant urge to urinate, even if your bladder is not full.

Treatment options

  • Chemotherapy
    Just like how chemotherapy is suggested for all types of tumors, it is also a popular treatment choice for ovarian cancer. This is used to weaken cancer cells before surgery and kill the ones that remain after surgery. Some chemotherapy medicines are injected into the veins, and others are taken orally.
  • Radiotherapy
    This is one of the treatments that can help in the early stages of ovarian cancer. It helps shrink tumors and also kills the remaining cancer cells after surgery.
  • Targeted therapy
    This is a process that is preferred if the cancer cells are resistant to chemotherapy and other drugs offered. The process is still under trial when it comes to treatment options.
  • Surgery
    Doctors recommend this treatment option only if the cancer has reached a severe stage. It can be done to remove one or both the ovaries. If cancer has spread beyond the ovaries, doctors can also decide to remove the uterus.

All these signs and treatment options for ovarian cancer can help you understand the disease better. The treatments are chosen based on the age of the person and the stage of cancer. If you notice any of these signs mentioned above, get in touch with your doctor right away. Early diagnosis helps beat the condition successfully.