Symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as irregular bleeding, swollen belly or abdominal pain, can be very difficult to identify, especially as they can be mistaken for other less serious problems such as urinary tract infections or hormonal changes.
Thus, the best ways to identify early changes that may indicate ovarian cancer include being alert to any abnormal symptoms, going in for regular consultations with the gynecologist or taking preventive tests, for example.
1. Identify abnormal symptoms
In most cases, cancer of the ovaries does not cause any type of symptom, especially in the early stages. However, some of the symptoms that may be related to its development include constant pain in the belly and bleeding outside of menstruation.
Select what you are feeling to know your risk of having this type of cancer:
- 1. Constant pressure or pain in the abdomen, back or pelvic region Yes No
- 2. Swollen belly or full stomach feeling Yes No
- 3. Nausea or vomiting Yes No
- 4. Constipation or diarrhea Yes No
- 5. Frequent tiredness Yes No
- 6. Feeling of shortness of breath Yes No
- 7. Frequent urge to urinate Yes No
- 8. Irregular menstruation Yes No
- 9. Vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual period Yes No
In such cases it is advisable to consult the gynecologist as soon as possible to identify the cause of the symptoms and to eliminate or confirm the diagnosis of cancer.
When ovarian cancer is identified in the early stages, the chances of cure are much higher, so it is important to be aware of these symptoms, especially when you are over 50 years old.
2. Make regular consultations with the gynecologist
Regular visits to the gynecologist every 6 months are a great way to identify cancer of the ovaries before causing symptoms because during these visits the doctor tests the pelvic exam, in which the woman's abdomen palpates and seeks changes in the shape and size of the ovaries.
In this way, if the doctor finds any changes that may indicate cancer, you can ask for more specific tests to confirm the diagnosis. These consultations, in addition to assisting in the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, may also help identify changes in the uterus or fallopian tubes, for example.
3. Take preventive tests
Preventive tests are indicated for women at higher risk of developing cancer and are usually indicated by the gynecologist even when there are no symptoms. These tests usually include performing a transvaginal ultrasound to evaluate the shape and composition of the ovaries or a blood test, which helps detect CA-125 protein, a protein that is increased in cancer cases.
Learn more about this blood test: CA-125 Exam.
Who is at increased risk of having ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is more common in women between the ages of 50 and 70, however it can occur at any age, especially in women who:
- They got pregnant after the age of 35;
- They took hormonal remedies, especially to increase fertility;
- Have a family history of ovarian cancer;
- Have a history of breast cancer.
However, even with one or more risk factors, it is possible that the woman does not have cancer.
Stages of ovarian cancer
After diagnosis and surgery to remove ovarian cancer the gynecologist will sort the cancer according to the affected organs:
- Stage 1: Cancer is found only in one or both ovaries;
- Stage 2: Cancer spread to other parts of the pelvis
- Stage 3: Cancer has spread to other organs of the abdomen;
- Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other organs outside the abdomen.
The more advanced the stage of ovarian cancer, the harder it will be to achieve complete cure of the disease.
How is the treatment for ovarian cancer done?
The treatment for ovarian cancer is usually guided by the gynecologist and is started with surgery to remove as much of the affected cells as possible and therefore varies according to the type of cancer and its severity.
Thus, if the cancer is not spread to other regions, it is possible to extract only the ovary and the fallopian tube on that side. However, in cases where the cancer has spread to other regions of the body it may be necessary to remove the two ovaries, uterus, lymph nodes and other surrounding structures that may be affected.
After surgery you can indicate radiotherapy and / or chemotherapy to destroy the remaining cancer cells that still remain, and if there are still many cancer cells it may be more difficult to reach the cure.
