Understanding Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, the small organs that produce eggs and hormones. This disease can be difficult to detect early because its symptoms are often vague and easily confused with common conditions.

The earlier ovarian cancer is found, the better the treatment outcome. It is therefore vital to know the symptoms and risk factors. Fortunately, there are many modern treatment options available today that offer hope and improved quality of life for women at all stages of the disease.

Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Unlike breast cancer, there is no effective general screening test for ovarian cancer. It is crucial to listen to your body’s signals.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle, but they tend to be new, persistent (lasting for several weeks), and frequent (occurring more than 12 times a month).

The four most common symptoms to watch out for are:

Persistent Bloating: A feeling of swelling or increased abdominal size that does not subside.
Pelvic or Abdominal Pain: Ongoing discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
Appetite Changes: Difficulty eating, or feeling full very quickly (early satiety).
Urinary Symptoms: Needing to urinate more often than usual, or feeling a sudden and intense urge to urinate.

Other common symptoms may include:

Unexplained and persistent fatigue.
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation.
Unexplained weight loss or gain.
Pain during intercourse.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially after menopause).

Important: If you experience these symptoms frequently and they are new to you, you should make an appointment with your primary care doctor or gynecologist.

What Causes Ovarian Cancer?

The exact reason ovarian cancer develops is unknown, but researchers have identified several factors that can increase the risk of developing the disease:

Older Age: The risk increases significantly after menopause.
Inherited Gene Mutations: Between 10 and 15% of cases are due to inherited gene mutations, such as in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, or Lynch syndrome.
Early Menstruation / Late Menopause: Long periods of ovulation may increase risk.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese is linked to an increased risk.
Endometriosis: The condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
Reproductive History: Women who have never been pregnant or carried a pregnancy to term have a slightly higher risk.
Hormone Therapy: Long-term use of estrogen alone after menopause.

Did you know? Talking to your doctor about your family history is the most important step you can take to assess your personal risk. If you have close relatives with ovarian or breast cancer, you may be referred for genetic counseling.

How is the Diagnosis Made?

Your doctor will start with a thorough physical exam and ask about your symptoms. The diagnosis is typically made through a combination of the following tests:

Pelvic Exam: The doctor manually checks for irregularities, cysts, or enlargements in the ovaries and uterus.
Imaging Tests:

Transvaginal Ultrasound: Provides detailed images of the ovaries and uterus.
CT/MRI Scan: Used to check for spread within the abdomen and other parts of the body.

Blood Test (CA-125): Measures the level of the protein CA-125. High levels can indicate cancer, but the level can also be elevated by other, benign conditions.
Surgery/Biopsy: The definitive diagnosis is often confirmed by taking a tissue sample (biopsy) or removing the suspected tissue during an operation.

Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer

Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer. The most common treatments for ovarian cancer are a combination of surgery and chemotherapy:

Surgery (Removing Cancer Tissue): Surgery is often the first step. The goal is to remove the tumor and tissue such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus (hysterectomy). For advanced cancer, the goal is to remove as much visible cancer as possible (debulking).
Chemotherapy (Killing Remaining Cancer Cells): Uses drugs to kill fast-growing cells throughout the body. It is often given intravenously after surgery.
Targeted Therapy (Hindering Cancer Growth): Uses drugs that attack specific vulnerabilities in the cancer cells, such as PARP Inhibitors (especially with BRCA mutations) and the antibody Bevacizumab.
Radiation Therapy (Rare): Rarely used for ovarian cancer, but may be used to relieve symptoms in specific, limited areas.

Variations in Treatment:

Early Stage: Surgery may be the only treatment needed, often with fertility preservation as an option for younger women.
Advanced Stage: Almost always requires a combination of extensive surgery (debulking) and chemotherapy, often followed by targeted maintenance treatment.

Living with Ovarian Cancer

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is challenging, regardless of the stage.

Focus on Support and Self-Care:

Nurse or Coordinator: Your cancer care coordinator can be your key contact for information and practical help.
Emotional Support: Talk with your loved ones, or seek professional help through a counselor or patient advocacy groups.
Physical Health: Maintain a nutritious diet and, if possible, engage in light physical activity to counteract fatigue and strengthen your body throughout treatment.
Ask Questions: Never be afraid to ask your doctors and nurses about treatment choices, side effects, or prognosis.

Ovarian cancer is a serious disease, but treatment is constantly improving. With a strong support network and good follow-up care, you can focus on your health and quality of life throughout your entire treatment journey.

Clinical Studies

There are currently clinical studies investigating potential treatments for ovarian cancer, and you can find out more about that here.

Sources

Mayo Clinic - Ovarian cancer