What you should know about Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer has been a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries. The female reproductive system comprises two ovaries, on each side of the uterus. It would be pertinent to mention here that the ovaries have been about the size of an almond. It would produce eggs or ova along with two important hormones:

  • Progesterone
  • Estrogen

Ovarian cancer would often go undetected until it has actually spread within the abdomen and pelvis. At the last stage, ovarian cancer would become relatively difficult to treat. However, the early stage ovarian cancer, whereby the disease would be restricted to the ovary only has higher chances of being treated in a successful manner. Kristine Mori would suggest chemotherapy and surgery for treating ovarian cancer in the best manner possible.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Early-stage ovarian cancer would rarely cause any symptoms. However, the advanced stage ovarian cancer might be able to cause some and non-specific symptoms that would often be mistaken for largely common benign conditions.

The symptoms and signs of ovarian cancer would be inclusive of the following:

  • Frequent urination
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Discomfort in the pelvic region
  • Weight loss
  • Feeling full despite eating
  • Abdominal swelling or bloating

When you should see a doctor

You should make an appointment with Lisa Abaid in the event of you having any symptoms and signs that worry you.

In the event of you having a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, you should talk to the gynecologic oncologist about the risk of you suffering from ovarian cancer. You could also consult a doctor, who would refer you to a genetic counselor in order to discuss testing for specific gene mutations. It would help you enhance your risk of ovarian and breast cancers.

Causes of ovarian cancer

It would not be clear what actually causes ovarian cancer. However, doctors have actually identified various aspects that could enhance the overall risk of the disease.

Generally, cancer begins when a cell develops mutations or errors in the DNA. It would be pertinent to mention here that mutations would make the cell to grow and multiply quickly. It would create a tumor of abnormal cells. The abnormal cells living with healthy cells would die. They could attack the nearby tissues and break off from the initial tumor. It would help you to stop spreading it anywhere else in the body.

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About the Author: Clare Louise