There are certain documented ovarian cancer symptoms, which when occurring together for long periods of time can be a cause for alarm. The loss of appetite, unexplained weight gain or loss, swelling in the abdomen and general pain in the stomach region are the first indicators of a disorder. After which, any kind of persistent bowel related problems, such as frequent urination, diarrhoea, excessive gas and constipation are further symptoms. Along with these, pain during sexual intercourse and irregular vaginal bleeding other than the time of menstruation is the extreme symptoms that definitely call for an immediate screening for ovarian cancer. Under such circumstances, going in for a simple pelvic examination is the first step one should take for confirming that the symptoms are indeed likely to be indicative of another disorder. After which, a CA 125 blood test and a Transvaginal Ultrasonography are required.

Further positive signs and ovarian cancer symptoms can be clarified with the help of these two diagnostic tools. They are quite helpful in diagnosing the disease. The CA 125 blood test measures blood levels over a period of days, keeping in mind the regular fluctuations of the levels and can be relied upon to give a true result after a given number of screenings. As the cancer advances in its stage, the results become far more accurate and can be received in one go, however this is detrimental to the health of the patient. One is suggested to use supplementary procedures and seek second opinions in case of persisting health problems. After the age of 40 years, it is advisable to keep such starting symptoms under very close scrutiny and consult a gynaecologist regularly.

Ovarian cancer symptoms are also at times confused for ovarian cysts, non-cancerous growths and vice versa. In these circumstances, all women must seek knowledge on ovarian cancer and apply it for better chances of catching the disease while it is still in its early stages of development. At this point, it can be removed without issue with surgery and further growth can be prevented. After it has reached the later stages of growth, remission becomes difficult to achieve and the life expectancy starts to plummet.

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Let’s talk in brief about the “ovaries”. The ovaries are glands present on the sides of the uterus. The ovary has 2 functions:

1. To produce hormones (oestrogen and progesterone)

2. During child-bearing period, it releases an egg monthly

After menopause, the ovary ceases to release eggs but continues to produce hormones but at a lower rate. This cancer occurs when cells in the ovary start to multiply and grow rapidly.

In many women who have ovarian cancer, there are no symptoms. And if there are symptoms, they are non-specific.

Symptoms include:

- Abdominal discomfort or fullness
- Dyspepsia
- Pelvic pain
- Constipation
- Back pain

Because the symptoms are non-specific, usually patients present when spread has occurred. That’s why it is a “silent killer.”

There are risk factors for ovarian cancer, such as:

- Low parity
- Delayed childbearing
- High fat diet

Genetics can play an important role. A gene known as BRCA 1 gene is associated with breast – ovarian cancer syndrome.

Our goal is to detect it as early as possible and that will be by doing a routine yearly pelvic examination in the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. Besides a periodic ultrasonography coupled with CA-125 can be used to screen ovarian cancer

Once diagnosed, the treatment options will depend on its type. There are many types of ovarian cancer and each one has it’s treatment.

http://med50.blogspot.com/2010/07/ovarian-cancer-silent-killer.html

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