Every woman has a pair of ovaries on each side of the uterus, connected by the fallopian tubes. The overies hold the female eggs (ova), which are gradually retrieved in small amounts during each menstruation cycle.
They also produce the estrogen and progesterone hormones responsible for triggering most secondary gender characteristics in women, such as breast growth, fat distribution, and menstruation.
But when the ovarian tissues grow abnormally, they form tumors, which continue to grow and spread to adjacent organs until the patient seeks appropriate ovarian cancer treatment in Mumbai.
What Are The Types Of Ovarian Cancers?
There are different types of cells in the ovaries, including epithelial cells, stromal cells, and germ cells. Hence, the types of ovarian cancer are based on the type of cell that grows abnormally. These types include:
This type of tumor occurs when the epithelial cells covering the ovaries grow abnormally. Almost 90% of all ovarian tumors are of this type.
Here, the stromal cells that produce hormones cause tumors and are usually diagnosed earlier than other ovarian tumors. It is quite rare, as it occurs in less than 7% of the cases.
Germ Cell tumor:
When the egg-producing cells known as germ cells develop tumors mostly due to genetic mutations. Younger women are more prone to develop these rare tumors.
What are the early signs of ovarian cancer?
Only 20% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages, as most of its symptoms are similar to common illnesses. Hence, it is recommended that you must seek ovarian cancer treatment in Mumbai if you persistently suffer from any of the following symptoms for longer terms:
- Urinating or feeling like more frequently than usual
- Feeling constant bloating, fullness, or pain in your abdomen
- Lack of appetite or inability to eat enough
- Irregular menstruation cycles (periods)
- Pain during intercourse
- Unexpected weight loss
Other less common symptoms may include:
- Heartburn and indigestion
- back pain
- skin rash, muscle weakness, and inflamed muscles (a condition called Dermatomyositis)
When any of these symptoms are caused due to ovarian tumors, they become severe as they grow.
Who Is More Likely To Develop Ovarian Cancers?
Though ovarian cancer can occur in any woman, there are certain risk factors that make a woman more prone to developing ovarian tumors. If you fit in any of these factors, you must get frequent screenings to avoid health complications later.
If you have multiple blood relatives who had ovarian cancers, you are at a much higher risk.
Ovarian tumors are more common in women between the ages of 50 to 60 years.
Hereditary gene mutations
It has been found that the mutation of breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2) that increase the risk of breast cancer, also increase the chances of ovarian tumors.
Hormone replacement therapy: Women undergoing estrogen hormone replacement therapy for a long time and insignificant doses develop potential risks of this type of cancer as a side effect.
The start and end of menstruation: If your menstruation cycles start at an earlier age or your menopause occurs at a later age than usual, it can increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer
How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
Before you receive your ovarian cancer treatment, our expert will perform a thorough diagnostic analysis of your tumor to judge various factors. Since the ovaries are located deep within the pelvic cavity, simple physical exams may not prove helpful. Hence, you may have to undergo the following diagnostic tests:
Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS): An imaging test that uses sound waves to detect tumor location and size in the reproductive organs.
CT scan & MRI scan: these imaging techniques help visualize the precise location and size of ovarian tumors.
Biopsy: Here, a surgeon surgically extracts some tissues from the tumor to analyze it.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Treated?
Dr. Amit Gandhi has been offering ovarian cancer treatment in Mumbai for over 10 years now. Depending on the severity of one’s tumor, he suggests different oncological treatments, as mentioned below.
Removing the growing tumors surgically is the most effective way to treat ovarian cancer. This surgery can also be performed to remove one or both ovaries. If the tumor has spread into the uterus, the surgeon can also remove the uterus to stop the spread. In such extreme cases, the surgeon may also recommend HIPEC therapy as an added treatment.
HIPEC therapy With Surgery:
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an advanced version of chemotherapy where instead of injecting the chemo drugs intravenously, heated and sterilized chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the abdomen while performing a cancer surgery. It is a highly effective method for eliminating minute cancer cells that remain after removing the tumors.
Palliative care aims to provide relief from pain and other symptoms of advanced ovarian cancer cases. Our palliative care expert will work with you, your family, and your other doctors to provide extra support to complement your ongoing care. It can also mean using medicines to reduce or control the side effects of cancer treatments.