Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the third most frequent cancer in women; but it is also the first cause of death in women because it is a highly lethal type of cancer. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are almost imperceptible, so about 80% of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages.

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COMPREHENSIVE CARE

Clinical approach tailored to the patient's needs

The prognosis for early stage ovarian cancer is very favorable; however, the few associated symptoms decrease the likelihood of early detection. Our goal is to provide you with immediate multidisciplinary care to limit the spread of the cancer and correct the damage it has caused.

Statistics indicate that at least 1 in every 55 women will suffer from ovarian cancer at some point in her life.

Ovarian cancer usually appears after menopause (between 49 and 75 years of age); likewise, it can occur in younger women with a family history.

Diagnosis and Staging

Diagnostic tests such as pelvic examinations, blood tests or imaging studies are necessary to prove the existence of the disease.

General Welfare

The emotional shock produced by a positive diagnosis of cancer is very great; for this reason, we support our patients with psychological counseling.

The Specialist

Gynecologic oncologists, surgical oncologists and the most complete team of specialists work tirelessly to find the ideal treatment methods.

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrollable growth of cells in the ovaries. Ovarian cancer can appear in one or both ovaries; these cells can multiply rapidly and spread to nearby soft tissues.

Let us remember that the ovaries are part of the female reproductive system, where in addition to generating the eggs necessary for fertilization, they also produce very important sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

The initial symptoms of ovarian cancer are not properly reflected in this area; its discomfort is commonly confused with digestive system or bladder disorders.

Among its most obvious signs are:

Abdominal swelling.

Distension.

Indigestion.

Constipation.

Diarrhea.

Frequent urination.

Loss of weight or appetite.

Menstrual disturbance or postmenopausal spotting.

Pain during sexual intercourse.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

The type of cancer is determined by where the abnormal cell growth or tumor occurs; generally the disease tends to attack the outer surface of the ovaries.

The most frequent types of ovarian cancer are:

Epithelial carcinoma:

About 85% of all ovarian cancers are of this type. Epithelial carcinoma mainly damages the lining of the ovary; subsequently, it begins to spread to nearby areas (pelvis, abdomen, colon, rectum, among others).

Germ cell tumors:

This unusual neoplasm starts in the cells in charge of producing eggs. Its chances of survival are quite high; but it is also very delicate, since it occurs at an early age. Young women (between 20 and 30 years of age) are the most likely to suffer from it.

Stromal cell tumors:

This extremely unusual type of cancer arises in the tissue that supports the ovaries; it can be detected quickly because it causes obvious symptoms such as: irregular menstruation, alarming vaginal bleeding, etc.

Screening tests

How to detect ovarian cancer?

At present, there is still no specific screening for ovarian cancer; for this reason, women who are considered to be at high risk should visit their doctor periodically to rule out any abnormality.

The most commonly used screening methods are: pelvic ultrasound, transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests; the latter is used to directly evaluate the results of CA-125 tumor markers (an increase in this marker can alert the physician to the presence of ovarian cancer).

Risk Factors

The risk of developing ovarian cancer can increase considerably if a person has more than one of the factors included in this list:

Age:

The older you are, the greater the risk of ovarian cancer. Cases of germ cell tumors are the exception, being more predominant in younger women.

Family history:

Hereditary tendencies of ovarian cancer, or any other type of cancer within the family nucleus, can increase the probabilities of the disease.

Genetic alterations:

The transfer of inherited loads carrying the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations are also considered risk factors.

Hormonal therapies:

Many women control the signs of menopause with hormone replacement therapies, which can cause a harmful hormonal elevation.

Endometriosis:

Women with endometrial tissue disorders are more vulnerable to ovarian cancer.

Not having had a full-term pregnancy:

Women who have never conceived are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Prevention

How to prevent ovarian cancer?

Although there is no medical certainty on how to prevent ovarian cancer, there are certain actions that can be taken to reduce your risk:

Review your family's medical history (especially history of cancers and genetic mutations).

Consult a physician as soon as possible, when any symptoms or uncomfortable sensations appear inside your internal genital organs.

Treatments for ovarian cancer

The most effective way to treat this type of cancer is by combining surgical methods with chemotherapy. However, in some cases it is possible to use an alternative or palliative treatment.

Surgery:

Operations help to remove the largest portion of cancerous tissue from the root; among the most common surgeries are: surgery to remove one ovary, surgery to remove two ovaries, and surgery to remove both ovaries plus the uterus.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is used in the treatment of various cancers, usually administered by intravenous injection or orally; however, in ovarian cancer it can be applied directly to the affected area, this procedure is known as intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy.

Hormonal therapies:

In hormone therapy, drugs are given to stop the effect of estrogen in the ovaries. Cancer cells feed and grow thanks to this hormone; by stopping its production, better control of the disease can also be obtained.

Targeted therapy:

Treatment focused on specifically targeting the weak parts of the cancer to eradicate the cancer cells.

Immunotherapy:

This is a very convenient alternative for ovarian cancer that has been detected in early stages. The procedure consists of strengthening the patient's immune system, so that her own body has sufficient resistance to fight the cancer internally.