Ovarian Cancer Specialists in Maharashtra
Ovarian Cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in one or both ovaries, the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones. It is ofte…
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What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian Cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in one or both ovaries, the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones. It is often called a 'silent' cancer because early symptoms are vague and easily mistaken for common digestive or bladder issues, leading to diagnosis at an advanced stage in many cases. The disease can arise from different cell types within the ovary, with epithelial tumors being the most common form. Genetic mutations significantly raise lifetime risk in some women.
Severe
Uncommon — but among the more lethal gynecological cancers due to late diagnosis
No
Causes of Ovarian Cancer
Results from genetic mutations causing uncontrolled growth of ovarian cells, with significantly elevated risk in women carrying inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or with a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer. Other risk factors include increasing age, never having been pregnant, early menstruation, late menopause, and endometriosis.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly when eating, urinary urgency or frequency, unexplained weight changes, fatigue, changes in bowel habits, back pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding
Treatment & Types of Ovarian Cancer in Maharashtra
Treatment typically combines surgery to remove the tumor and affected reproductive organs with chemotherapy to eliminate remaining cancer cells, particularly for advanced-stage disease. Targeted therapies, including drugs that exploit specific genetic vulnerabilities like BRCA mutations, have become an important part of treatment for eligible patients.
Ovarian cancer is classified by the cell type it arises from: epithelial tumours, arising from the outer surface layer of the ovary and accounting for the large majority of cases, germ cell tumours, arising from egg-producing cells and more common in younger women, and stromal tumours, arising from hormone-producing supportive tissue, each with different behavior and treatment considerations.
Medical Oncology Specialists in Maharashtra (1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is ovarian cancer called a silent cancer?
Early symptoms like bloating, pelvic discomfort, and feeling full quickly are vague and easily mistaken for common digestive or bladder issues, which often leads to diagnosis at a more advanced stage.
Does having a BRCA mutation mean I will definitely get ovarian cancer?
No, but carrying an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation significantly raises lifetime risk, which is why genetic counselling and testing, along with consideration of risk-reducing options, are recommended for those with a strong family history.
Can ovarian cysts turn into ovarian cancer?
Most ovarian cysts are functional and benign, but persistent, large, or unusual-appearing cysts should be evaluated, as rarely a cyst can represent or develop into a malignant tumour.
Is there a reliable screening test for ovarian cancer?
Unlike some other cancers, there is no proven effective screening test for the general population, which is why prompt evaluation of persistent symptoms like bloating and pelvic pain is particularly important.
How is ovarian cancer treated?
Treatment typically combines surgery to remove the tumour and affected reproductive organs with chemotherapy, and targeted therapies exploiting genetic vulnerabilities like BRCA mutations are increasingly used for eligible patients.