First let’s understand what ovarian cancer is. A sudden improper growth of cells in the ovaries results in ovarian cancer. This cancer also affects the pregnancy cycle of a woman. There are 3 types of cancer that may be produced in ovaries. They are epithelial tumors, Germ cell tumors, Stromal tumors.

In the standard treatment method, first the surgery is done. Tumors found during this process is eliminated and diagnosed to identify the level of cancer. Surgery is followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to eliminate the remaining tumors and cancer cells.

The most common alternative therapies used by practitioners are acupuncture, massage therapy, visualization, herbal products, meditation, vitamins or special diets, spiritual healing, reflexology, aromatherapy and homeopathy. These alternative treatment aims to ease stress and symptoms but there is no proof that these therapies cure the cancer.

Apart from these alternative treatments, taking a diet that is high in fiber and low in saturated animal fats is a good precautionary measure to fight against this cancer.

One who has low level of selenium faces higher risk of getting this cancer. Taking in Quercetin protects one from ovarian cancer. Quercetin possesses properties that protects against this cancer. Ingested oxygen therapy is one of the most effective alternative treatments recommended for ovarian cancer. Many complementary therapies helps people to relax, sleep well, get relieved from pain and even help to control sickness.

As there is enough advancement in standard method and alternative treatment method, the survival rate has considerably increased.

This article mainly helps woman to be aware about ovarian cancer and various alternative ovarian cancer treatment. This is a must read for all the human to stay away from ovarian cancer.

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Nevertheless, in recent years experts and researchers have determined that when comparing case studies of various patients presenting with ovarian cancer, across the board there appeared to be a general agreement about similar feelings of discomfort that took place well before the diagnosis. This has caused the medical industry to rectify its opinion of ovarian cancer and it is no longer considered a symptom free illness, but instead one that has symptoms so subtle that unless the patient knows what to look for, they are likely missed or attributed to other problems.

1. There is frequent or recurring pain in the abdomen. Initially many respondents of the studies had suggested that it felt a bit like constipation, bloating, or gas pains, but because the pains lasted so much longer than the average bout of constipation, it soon became obvious that there was more going on than indigestion.

2. It could be ovarian cancer if you feel abdominal bloating. Sure, it might be the food you ate or the period that is just around the corner, but if it continues for more than a week, something might be amiss.

3. Frequent urination is another symptom but sadly is frequently missed since many a woman is religiously precise in drinking her water and frequent urination is considered par for the course.

So, Could it be irritable bowel syndrome? Could it be ovarian cancer? Could it be the onset of another disease or condition that imitates the same symptoms? The “what if” questions may continue non stop, yet unless a woman is willing to acknowledge the warning signs her body is giving off, precious little will answer her health related worries and questions. Too often she may think them to be too minor to mention to her doctor or – what makes this disease so dangerous – she will learn to live with them.

Although adaptability is a sought after trait in the theory of evolution, when it comes to detecting the early warning signs of ovarian cancer, it may be a contributing factor to death. Physicians involved in the studies have declared that any of the symptoms individually or in combination with one or both of the others should be grounds for concern and if the symptom persists for one week, heightened attention must be paid. If two weeks go by and the symptoms persist, a doctor’s appointment must be scheduled for the first available time slot and if three weeks pass and the symptoms continue, it is time to set up an appointment with a specialist.

Could it be ovarian cancer? Maybe; either way, you owe it to yourself and those who love you to find out for sure.

For more interesting reading on Ovarian Cancer, go to http://www.bodytalk1on1.com

My name is Juliet Taylor, and I decided to create the website http://www.bodytalk1on1.com when I discovered the many problems that I have developed in my body, that many other people themselves are faced with, but become so trouble because of lack of knowledge about that condition. So, I decide to create this website to inform people on different types of conditions that affects our body. People say what you don’t know won’t hurt you, but I beg to differ, because know that you have a condition in the development of it’s early stage will make a ton of difference.

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Since ovarian cancer treatment quite frequently includes chemotherapy, patients and their physicians have been working hard to figure out ways around this side effect.

* On the day of your chemotherapy, physicians recommend that you have an easy to digest breakfast. Dry toast, Jell-o, saltines, or slices of white bread are recommended. Stay away from eggs and anything else that may be considered a full breakfast. Especially of note is that you should avoid anything with a heightened acidity, such as grapefruit or orange juice.
* Bring along some plain crackers and a bottle of water. Listen to your body and its signals! You may be surprised to find that you are craving food in the midst of chemotherapy. Eat one cracker and see how you feel.
* Once you arrive at home, plan on avoiding the smells of spicy foods. In the same way, avoid the smell of drinks as well. Some ovarian cancer patients have reported that the smell of their children’s hot chocolate or their husband’s coffee suddenly brought on a wave of nausea. To this end it is best to spend the first 24 hour period after chemotherapy without strong scents and odors.
* Keep cool when you feel nauseous. Patients have found that having the car window rolled down is essential in keeping actual vomiting at bay and may actually help to relieve nausea. Physicians suggest that the intake of fresh, cool air is instrumental.
* Come prepared for vomiting. This might sound like an odd piece of advise, but ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and subsequently suffering from severe nausea have reported that the stress over not having a bag readily available should the sick feeling turn into actual vomiting is so stressful that in the end the vomiting appeared to have been induced by the stress and fear of vomiting.

Some patients have experimented with anti emetic drugs and found that they yielded great results. Of course, any time you ingest any kind of medication, vitamin, herbal remedy, or anything else you must discuss it with your physician first! Some over the counter supplements have been known to alter the way chemotherapy drugs work and there is little benefit in undergoing the treatment if the results are not what you have hoped for due to the use of other substances. As a matter of fact, your doctor should be able to provide you with a list of acceptable and not recommended medications and over the counter remedies for the weeks that you are undergoing chemotherapy!

For more interesting reading on Ovarian Cancer, go to http://www.bodytalk1on1.com

My name is Juliet Taylor, and I decided to create the website http://www.bodytalk1on1.com when I discovered the many problems that I have developed in my body, that many other people themselves are faced with, but become so trouble because of lack of knowledge about that condition. So, I decide to create this website to inform people on different types of conditions that affects our body. People say what you don’t know won’t hurt you, but I beg to differ, because know that you have a condition in the development of it’s early stage will make a ton of difference.

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1. Nausea. This is felt almost immediately after radiation treatments and may last as long as five to eight hours. In some cases the body may begin by having preemptive nausea when you are ready to go to a radiation treatment appointment and you will already feel queasy even before you set foot into the treatment center. While there is little that may be done to prevent the nausea, there are some steps that may make it a bit easier to deal with: first and foremost, consider eating only bland foods sparingly on the day of your therapy appointment. Saltine crackers, Jell-O, or even thinned oatmeal may be sufficient to keep you from being overly hungry and from keeping your stomach to give you too much trouble. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to control your nausea.

2. Vomiting. When nausea progresses to vomiting, you will find that the worst part of dealing with this side effect of radiation therapy for your ovarian cancer is the absence of feeling better once the content of your stomach has been purged. Instead, you may continue to suffer from dry heaves and feel very little relief until much later in the evening. Limit your food intake on days that you are scheduled to undergo radiation therapy to only include bland foods that will cause the least rise in bile. Plain toast, white bread, cooked chicken, or even just a glass of milk may be your best bet. While you know that vomiting will happen, the absence of increased levels of bile will prevent the painful throat burn. In addition, make sure that you carry discrete bags to catch your vomit. Women have reported that the fear of vomiting without having a suitable container is about as bad as vomiting itself.

3. Diarrhea. It is noteworthy that this is a side effect that comes on slowly during your ovarian cancer radiation treatment. You may think you are home free until suddenly a couple of weeks into the treatment you develop persistent and painful diarrhea. At this stage it is crucial to switch to a clear diet, such as Jell-O, clear broth, and any other food you can see through. In addition, switch your food intake to several small meals throughout the day instead of the customary three sit down meals. By giving your intestines time to process the foods, you will find that nutrient absorption is greatly increased.

The most dangerous aspect when dealing with side effects of radiation therapy for ovarian cancer is a failure to recognize the odds of dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is crucial and you will find that increasing your water intake dramatically – sometimes actually switching to pediatric rehydration products – is vital to keep your cell functions and organ working.

For more interesting reading on Ovarian Cancer, go to http://www.bodytalk1on1.com

My name is Juliet Taylor, and I decided to create the website http://www.bodytalk1on1.com when I discovered the many problems that I have developed in my body, that many other people themselves are faced with, but become so trouble because of lack of knowledge about that condition. So, I decide to create this website to inform people on different types of conditions that affects our body. People say what you don’t know won’t hurt you, but I beg to differ, because know that you have a condition in the development of it’s early stage will make a ton of difference.

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A borderline tumor consists of low grade cancerous cells which have just started growing and multiplying. These have not yet affected the ovary in any way by growing into or damaging the ovarian tissue around them. This is not considered to be a bonafide ovarian cancer stage but is still treated as one with surgery. Stage I of the disease means that it has spread to the ovaries. This may be limited to one ovary or could be present in both ovaries. A further form of stage I shows up if the cancer has spread to the surface of the ovary or found inside of the abdomen during surgery. For stage I of ovarian cancer, surgery is the most effective way to dealing with it and preventing any sort of recurrence.

Ovarian cancer stage II usually means that the cancerous cells have spread from the ovary to the fallopian tube and/or uterus. A further form of stage II occurs when the cancer moves on to the pelvic region and cancerous tissue is seen in the rectum and bladder of the body as well. After which we come to stage III, where the cancer has definitely spread from the ovary to the abdominal region and can also be seen in the lymph nodes around the womb, crotch region and the upper part of the abdomen. The growths start becoming larger in size, measuring close to 2 cm and above, present in the lining of the abdominal cavity and causing many abdominal problems. These two stages usually call for chemotherapy to supplement the surgery done to remove as much cancer as possible from the body.

At the top is the ovarian cancer stage IV. This is the last stage of growth and often fatal for the patient. Survival rates at this point of treatment are pretty low and life expectancy after recovery is not very high. The treatment itself for this stage can be quite risky, especially for elderly women. At this stage, the cancer has spread from the ovaries and the abdomen to other parts of the body like the liver and lungs. After reaching here, radiation therapy is the best treatment available for the patients but is very dangerous for the elderly. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation is used at this point, often enough effectively.

For other Ovarian Cancer Stages related articles, please visit http://www.cancertreatment123.com/

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Ovarian cancer is often known as the silent disease because so many women don’t realize they have it until it’s too late. As a cancer survivor, I always want to take advantage of getting any cancer information out to the public. According to Mark Messing, M.D., a gynecological oncologist with the Baylor Health Care System in Texas, some of the earliest signs of ovarian cancer are:

* Bloating
* Pelvic pain
* Abdominal pain
* Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
* Changes in urinary or bowel functions

Unfortunately, these symptoms are very common to many women and can certainly be signs of other problems. However, if you or someone you love shows any of these symptoms and they persist over a few weeks, over-the-counter meds aren’t working, etc, contact your doctor immediately. Dr. Messing says women too often try over-the-counter medications for too long, have bloating but assume they are just gaining weight, etc. It is better to be checked out by your physician than to try to doctor yourself or ignore the symptoms. Many times ovarian cancer will not be the problem. But in the cases where it is present, early detection is vitally important, as it is with all cancers! Don’t take chances with your life; you only get one!

For more of Linda’s health information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com

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There are certain risk factors for ovarian cancer, chief amongst them is family history and some associated genetic syndromes. A blood relative with ovarian cancer raises the risk for their female relative by 5% for this cancer. There is a syndrome of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer which occurs in one out of every 500 women and being an autosomal dominant genetic disorder results in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutation. The other is Lynch II syndrome a hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer syndrome, again autosomal dominant, which increases risk for ovarian cancer by 12%. However, the majority of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have no family history and the etiology remains unknown. When ovarian cancer occurs and is not detected early when localized to one ovary, the cancer will usually spread to the unaffected ovary and uterus first, but can spread to the liver, lungs, adrenal glands, spleen and other intraperitoneal organs.

Some things that reduce risk are the protective effects of oral contraceptives, late menarche, early menopause, multipariety (having more than one child) and breastfeeding. Progesterone appears to be protective, but there is controversy as a 2009 Danish study suggests that all HRT results in increased risk (the study was performed with estrogen alone (unopposed) or estrogen & progestin (progestin is a synthetic progesterone compound). Further study in the use of natural bio-identical hormones for prevention will need to be performed to clear up this controversy as earlier studies showed HRT to be protective. There are modifiable factors such as reducing weight (avoiding obesity), smoke cessation, reducing a high starch and fat diet that can reduce risk of this cancer. It has been shown that a well balanced diet high in carotene, vitamin C and E and unsaturated fats with moderate physical activity all help reduce ovarian cancer risk.

There is much difficulty in making an early diagnosis due to the fact that signs and symptoms are very often subtle and non specific, and unless you go looking for this disease with specific diagnostic lab and radiology tests you are not likely to find it early on. Some symptoms include abdominal pain and fullness, back pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, pelvic pain and urinary symptoms. Laboratory testing should be considered in women over 40-years of age if these symptoms persist as they are a higher risk population for ovarian cancer. Testing usually involves a CBC, metabolic panel and serum CA 125 levels. CA 125 is a cancer marker that is rather sensitive and specific for ovarian cancer, however there are some other conditions that can elevate this marker such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, ovarian cysts and pregnancy. CA 125 is a good test but not perfect since it is elevated in 90% of patients with advanced disease, but only upwards of 50% with stage I tumors. Additionally, there are other markers that make themselves useful, and they include the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (Beta-HCG), serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Diagnosis is also made by diagnostic imaging, such as the Doppler transvaginal ultrasound (ultrasonography or US), often used as an initial evaluation for a pelvic mass. US is helpful in determining benign ovarian lesions such as simple cysts from those that appear more malignant such as complex solid tumors. Other modes of radiological imaging useful to the diagnostician are CT scan and gadolinium-enhanced MRI.

Treatment usually includes (after thorough diagnostic testing and staging) excision of the mass/tumor by surgery. Depending on the stage of the disease other organs may also be removed, for example the appendix is generally removed due to its potential target for metastasis. Following removal of the tumor, chemotherapy is typically initiated with a combination of platinum and taxane-based agents. Carboplatin and Taxol are two chemotherapeutic agents that are often used. For those women beyond their reproductive years, a total hysterectomy is often considered, while radiation therapy is reserved for palliative and persistent disease that reappears after a regiment of chemotherapy.

Prognosis is a bit complicated as it is based on the staging of the disease as well as the histological grade (type of tumor etiology) that typically plays a role in recurrence rates. For example, an epithelial ovarian cancer (histologically) has a low malignant potential if diagnosed at stage I and has a 95 – 99% survival rate at 10-years.

Screening for ovarian cancer should include annual physical examination and directed exams by markers and imaging only when warranted. Routine screening with CA 125 yield too many false positives and misses too many tumors early on to be a good general screening test. BRCA analysis should be reserved for descendents of those with mutated BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes, it is not recommended as a general screening tool. The current recommendations for women meeting criteria for high risk or very high risk for ovarian cancer is to be screened with a transvaginal ultrasound and have a CA 125 measured every six months during days 1 through 10 of their menstrual cycle beginning at age 35.

The take home message here is that women need to be diligent with regard to their annual physical examinations and to not ignore persistent symptoms that may point a finger to an underlying more serious condition.

References:

Roett, M. Evans, P., “Ovarian Cancer: An Overview”, American Family Physician, Vol. 80, Num 6, September 15, 2009, p.609-616.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10933270 (Accessed 10/8/2009)

www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=103822 (Accessed 10/8/2009)

(c) 2009

By JP Saleeby, MD

JP Saleeby, MD is director of Carolina Mobile MD, a “house call service” offering integrative general medical services to clients in the Carolinas. For more visit: http://www.CarolinaMobileMD.com

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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.

For other Ovarian Cancer Symptoms related articles, please visit http://www.cancertreatment123.com/

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Epithelial Tumors are formed from the surrounding tissue of the ovary. These are the most common kind of tumors that is seen among women, affecting close to 80% of all ovarian cancer patients. It is what is usually known as ovarian cancer as such. These can be both benign and malignant in nature. These can also be invasive carcinogenic in nature, which means the cancerous cells would actively spread to other parts of the body if given a chance. The treatment for invasive tumors requires the removal of both kidneys; however this can be replaced with conventional therapy at the risk of a lowered chance of full recovery and remission. Epithelial tumors can be usually treated with the help of simple surgery and follow up with chemotherapy, depending on the stage of cancer. This is found more in adult women than in teenagers and young adults.

The next type, the Germ Cell tumors are formed in the egg producing cells of the ovary. These are not as common as the first type, accounting for close to 10-15% of all ovarian cancer patients. These are also divided into benign and malignant tumors, however no intermediate or invasive form exists for this. The benign form of germ cell tumors is easily treated with simple surgery and removal of the cancerous tissue. No further treatment is deemed necessary. The malignant tumors require a more intensive form of chemotherapy and multiple medicines to keep the tumor in check and then eliminate it wholly. The treatment for this differs greatly from that of the epithelial tumors. Most cases occur with women under the age of 30.

The least common type of ovarian cancer is the Stromal tumors. They account for only 5-10% of the ovarian cancer patients. It occurs in the stromal part of the ovary, which controls the production of different kinds of sex hormones in the body. The occurrence of this kind of tumor is often marked by the production of sex steroid hormones and over production of testosterone, which leads to the masculinization of the female body and other symptoms such as balding of the hair, deepening of the voice, growth of hair over the body and an enlarged clitoris. This may also result in abnormal vaginal bleeding for post menopausal women and others. Another side effect is the early on set of puberty in young teens. The average age of women who get this is close to 25 years and usually can be treated with a degree of ease.

For other Ovarian Cancer Symptoms related articles, please visit http://www.cancertreatment123.com/

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A patient’s complaint of pain can range from a continuous pelvic pain to pain when having sex. The best example is that of abdominal pain that isn’t associated with diarrhea or vomiting and is found in 22% of cases before a woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

If you are a patient then the amount of pain you feel will depend on three factors: the type of cancer you have, the stage or extent of the cancer and your individual pain threshold. How well you tolerate pain will determine how much pain you actually feel.

There are several things that can cause the pain associated with ovarian cancer including the tumor, the treatment or things that aren’t even related to the disease. Pain can come from the tumor if it is located in a part of the body where it presses against nerves, bones or other organs.

Some treatment methods for ovarian cancer like chemotherapy can cause pain as a result of the side effects. A patient that undergoes chemotherapy will have a range of discomfort and symptoms that can even remain once chemotherapy is done. When it comes to pain that isn’t related to the disease this can include a variety of things such as headaches and muscle pain.

The good news is that patients have several choices when it comes to getting rid of the pain associated with ovarian cancer. A patient’s doctor or pain specialist can provide advice or prescriptions in order to help reduce the pain that patients experience when having ovarian cancer.

In order to get rid of the pain you feel you can either use pain medicine, alternative treatments, radiation or a nerve block. For most women with ovarian cancer, medicine and alternative treatments are best to reduce pain.

When it comes to choosing pain medicine, you should talk with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before you take anything. There are a number of effective pain medicines that you can buy without a prescription from your doctor. These medications are known as non-prescribed painkillers or over-the-counter pain relievers. You will have to get a prescription from your doctor for supplementary medications.

However, there are some problems associated with taking pain relievers that you should be aware of. The most common side effects are drowsiness and constipation. If you get a lot of rest and taking laxatives regularly, you can easily take care of these side effects. Women often don’t become addicted to these pain medications.

When it comes to alternative treatments for ovarian cancer pain there are plenty of options including massage, acupuncture and acupressure. There are also good relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and soothing music in order to help you release the pain in your body.

You can reduce pain by using radiation or high-energy rays in order to shrink the tumor causing ovarian cancer. When it comes to nerve blocking a doctor will inject alcohol into the area around the affected nerves in order to block the pain associated with the cancer.

When it comes to treating the pain associated with ovarian cancer, communication plays an important role. A doctor or nurse may not notice how much pain you are feeling unless you tell them. It is best to tell your doctor so they can find out what is causing your pain and how to properly treat it.

Living with ovarian cancer pain is truly difficult. You need to know that Knife Is Not Your Only Option, Chemo Is Not The Best Treatment.

Your mindset plays a huge role in behavior of your body. To find out more please follow this link: Ovarian.CancerMindset.com to Recommended Reading section. To Change Your Life Now follow the links and read “Natural Cancer Treatments That Work”!

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