SHARES
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, the almond-shaped organs sitting on both sides of the uterus. The ovaries release an egg during each menstrual cycle. It also produces female hormones estrogen and progesterone. However, when abnormal cells in the ovary multiply out of control, this can lead to tumour formation, more commonly known as cancer.
Ovarian cancer plagues one in 78 women, with half of them aged 63 years old or older. When diagnosed early, it holds an optimistic prognosis of 92 % five-year survival rate. Hence, it becomes important to learn about detecting the disease to pursue timely treatment.
What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Sadly, the initial stage is often symptom-free. Thus, only 15 % of ovarian cancer were detected early. Meanwhile, advanced stage cancer may manifest itself through symptoms that could be mistaken for other conditions, which include:
- Persistent bloated abdomen
- Constant fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Reduced appetite or quickly feeling full when eating
- Pain or pressure in the pelvis, abdomen, back or legs
- Urinating more, or more frequently
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as heavy period or post-menopausal bleeding
Those with personal or family history of breast, ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer should look out for these symptoms. Seek medical attention if any of these symptoms persist after two weeks.
How to screen for ovarian cancer?
Interestingly, regular screening for ovarian cancer is not recommended because these tests gave false results. Instead, only women with family history of breast, ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer are recommended to screen for BRCA gene mutations.
Currently, there is no one accurate test to detect early ovarian cancer. Thus, these tests are often conducted together during investigation:
- Annual physical exam. A rectovaginal exam is done by inserting fingers in the rectum and vagina at the same time to detect for abnormal swelling or pain among women above 35.
- Transvaginal ultrasound. A probe is inserted into the vagina to obtain images of the ovary. The images should reveal irregularities on the ovary and within cysts found in the ovaries.
- Blood test for tumour marker. Specifically, CA-125, is screened to detect advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer. Nonetheless, CA-125 can also be elevated due to other conditions unrelated to ovarian cancer.
On a side note, the annual pap-smear only screens for cervical cancer, but not ovarian cancer.
Conclusion
Ovarian cancer carries a positive outlook with early treatment. If you experience any discomfort that persists, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
If you would like to make an appointment with an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist:
Find an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist in Singapore, on GetDoc
by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
