Cancer of the ovary, 3 points
Relatively uncommon, ovarian cancer is the 4th largest gynecological cancers. It is often discovered late because it develops slowly and without specific symptoms. Then it can be a poor prognosis, hence the need for regular gynecologic surveillance.
A single ovary may be affected, or both. In 80% of cases of ovarian tumors arise from cells located at the surface of the ovary (epithelial cancer). In most other cancers, tumors are derived from germ cells (which grow from cells that produce eggs).
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
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Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is difficult because symptoms are nonspecific. Thus it is often detected late, when it extends to adjacent organs (fallopian tubes, uterus) or to other tissues (abdomen, liver, intestine).
Among the most commonly observed signs include swelling or tightness in the abdomen, a sensation in the abdomen, pelvic pain and lower back, needs urgent urination, digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating ...), changes in weight, gynecological disorders (menstrual disorders, painful intercourse), fatigue ...
Risk factors of ovarian cancer
The causes remain unknown. However, many risk factors have been identified.
Age: over 50 years. It therefore occurs most often after menopause.
A family history of ovarian cancer but also cancer of the uterus, breast and colon.
Genetic predisposition: 5-10% of cases are familial, including the presence of the BRCA1 gene, which is also associated with breast cancer.
Hormonal factors: the hormone replacement therapy slightly increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Oral contraceptives reduce the risk of reverse ovarian cancer. Early menarche, late menopause, not having had children or a first child late in life, are also part of hormonal risk factors.
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The diagnosis and treatment
Ovarian cancer is diagnosed by vaginal examination, supplemented by an abdominal-pelvic ultrasound showing the presence of a mass in the pelvis, diffuse lesions, an effusion in the abdomen.
If the results are somewhat suspicious, we can propose a simple monitoring because it can be an ovarian cyst Benin. Otherwise, the diagnosis is confirmed by a biopsy. Note that the tumor marker blood test, the CA125 can also help diagnosis. It does not necessarily entail the existence of cancer, but joins other indices.
The treatment relies on surgery as complete as possible. Thus, depending on the extent of cancer, we practice the removal of one or both ovaries, fallopian tubes and sometimes the uterus. Chemotherapy is often combined to reduce the risk of recurrence.
This is the stage at which cancer is diagnosed, which determines the prognosis. Plus it is supported early, more treatment will be effective and the prognosis good. It is therefore recommended to be regularly monitored, and even deal with specific symptoms, do not hesitate to consult.
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