A woman has 2 ovaries located in the pelvic cavity. These ovaries are responsible for release of Ovum; ovaries are also responsible for release of hormones Estrogen, Progesterone. Ovarian cancer is cancer that forms in the tissue of the ovary. Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer after uterine cancer. It causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer, also called as “Silent Killer” or “the overlooked disease.

TYPES:-

1.   Epithelial Tumor

2.   Stromal Tumor

3.   Germ Cell Tumor

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY:-

Ovarian cancer, the cause of which is unknown, can originate from different cell types. Most ovarian cancers originate in the ovarian epithelium; usually presentation is as solid masses, spreading to adjacent & distant organs.

EPIDEMIOLOGY:-Ovarian cancer is the second most common diagnosed gynecologic cancer after uterine cancer. It causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer. Mostly older women are at highest risk (frequently in women between 55 and 75 years of age).  

CLINICAL PRESENTATION (Sign & Symptoms):

• Pelvic discomfort or pain

• Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea

• Abdominal pressure, swelling, or bloating

• Urinary urgency or burning with no infection

• Changes in menstruation

• Chronic Fatigue

• Vague abdominal pain

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Unexplained weight loss

• Ascites or pleural effusion

• A palpable abdominal mass

• Back pain

Nearly 75 - 85% of patients already have peritoneal spread at the time of the diagnosis, which leads to some complications noted during diagnosis such as abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain and distension, GIT symptoms e.g. nausea, dyspepsia, constipation.

DIAGNOSIS:-

Ø  PELVIC EXAMINATION: - Palpation for mass in pelvic cavity.

Ø  IMAGING TESTS: - Ultrasonography, CT scan abdomen, MRI

Ø  BLOOD TESTS: - Blood tests might include organ function tests, cancer antigen etc.

Ø  BIOPSY & IHC: - Post surgery tissue examination.

Ø  GENETIC TESTING: - To identify genetic mutations.

STAGES OF OVARIAN CANCER:

1.   Stage I: - The cancer is limited to the primary organ i.e. the ovaries.

2.   Stage II: - The growth involves one or both ovaries, with pelvic extension.

3.   Stage III: - The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and other organs or structures within the abdominal cavity like colon, rectum, and peritoneum.

4.   Stage IV: - The cancer has metastasized to distant sites & organs, such as liver, lungs.

UNDERSTANDING RISK FACTOR & HOW TO LOWER THE RISK

TREATMENT

Factors considered before planning treatment for Ovarian Cancer are:-

ü  the stage and size of the tumors

ü  Age

ü  General health

ü  Future family planning

TREATMENT PROTOCAL FOLLOWED:-

1)   Surgery

2)   Chemotherapy

3)   Radiation Therapy

4)   Biotherapy/Immunotherapy

5)   Targeted Therapy

6)   Few well known & potent herbs mentioned in Ayurveda such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Haridra, Amlaki work as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immuno-boosting agents.

CLOSING NOTE:-

Essentially being aware of early diagnosis through effective screening is vital action for Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Procedures after detection, Post-treatment improvement in Quality of Life.

So, devising an effective and broadened course of an integrated multidisciplinary way of treatment should be drafted, to reach the goal of Better Life after Cancer detection and its treatment.