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Ovarian Cancer
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Compared with more common problems such as breast cancer,
ovarian cancer is relatively rare. The chances of developing it
are 1 in 100.
Like all cancers, the disease is the result of
unrestrained multiplication of cells. Normal cells divide in a
planned way, creating more cells only when needed. Cancerous
cells grow and divide without control or order, often making
excess tissue that becomes a tumor. Cancer cells may grow into
nearby healthy tissue, or they may break away from the tumor
and travel through the blood stream or lymphatic system to
other parts of the body, such as the liver, bone, or
brain.
Ovarian cancer is dangerous because it's very hard to
detect in its early stages. The two almond-sized ovaries are
located on either side of the uterus deep within the abdomen,
where it's impossible to detect a tumor (lump) through
self-examination. So by the time symptoms appear, the cancer
has often had time to spread.
Causes
Although the exact cause is unknown, several factors make
ovarian cancer more likely:
-
A family history of ovarian
or uterine cancer, especially in your mother or a
sister
-
Late menopause
-
Never being pregnant, or
having your first pregnancy after age 30
-
Having had breast cancer or
breast disease
-
Having had large bowel cancer
or polyps
Signs/Symptoms
During its early stages, ovarian cancer is usually
symptom-free. Later, the warning signs may
include:
-
Abdominal
swelling
-
Bloating
-
Stomach
discomfort
-
Lack of
appetite
-
A feeling of fullness after
even a small meal
If the tumor is large, it may push on other organs
causing diarrhea, constipation, or frequent
urination.
Care
The doctor's first step will be to determine how far the
cancer has advanced. He will probably take a tissue sample and
perform tests such as an ultrasound, CAT scan, and special
x-rays to check other organs. The results of the tests will
help you and the doctor choose a treatment plan.
Many types of treatment are available; and depending on
the stage of the cancer, several may be combined. The most
common options for ovarian cancer are:
-
Surgery: An operation is almost always the first
step in treatment, because the cancerous tissue must be
removed. You may also need to have some lymph nodes taken
out to help prevent the cancer from spreading to other
parts of your body.
-
Chemotherapy: Often called "chemo," this type of
therapy uses drugs to kill new tumor cells or shrink lymph
nodes that contain cancer cells. It may be used after
surgery to kill any cancer cells undetected during the
operation. Many different chemo medicines are available.
They may be taken as a pill, as a shot, or in an IV. You
will probably need frequent blood tests to determine how
your body is doing and how much chemo you need. The drugs
can produce many side effects, and may leave you
susceptible to infection for a while.
-
Radiation: X-rays or gamma rays can kill cancer and
help prevent it from spreading. They can also be effective
in reducing pain, controlling bleeding, and shrinking
cancerous tumors. Doctors also use this type of therapy on
cancerous lymph nodes. Radiation and chemotherapy are often
used together. Radiation is also used after surgery to kill
any cancer cells that may have been missed.
-
Biologic Therapy (also called biotherapy or
immunotherapy): This type of treatment relies on special
drugs that boost the immune system to help your body fight
growing cancer cells. Certain drugs may also make cancer
cells weaker and easier to kill. The medications are
usually given through an IV. They may cause flu-like
symptoms.
-
Paracentesis: If the tumor causes extra fluid to
collect in the abdomen, the doctor can remove it with a
needle. This procedure will make you more comfortable and
may make it easier to breathe.
Risks
If the cancer is not treated, it is certain to spread.
All forms of treatment have unpleasant side effects, and in the
end, may still fail to halt the spread. Nevertheless, some form
of treatment is your only chance of a
cure.
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