Ovarian Cancer - Treatments, Symptoms, Causes
Ovarian cancer is the most common gynecological cancer after uterine cancer in our country. Ovarian cancer, or ovarian cancer, which occurs in the ovaries, can be said to be the type of gynecological cancer that causes the most loss of life, since it is usually diagnosed after it has spread to other organs. The median age of ovarian cancer, which is frequently seen in advanced ages, is 63 years. A woman's lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is about 1.4%. It is estimated that approximately 5200 new ovarian cancer diagnoses are made each year in our country.
Female Ovaries Function and Structure
The ovaries are an important part of the female reproductive system, producing progesterone, estrogen (female hormones) and small amounts of male hormones (testosterone) in women. The female reproductive system, which we call gynecological organs, consists of the following structures:
- Vagina
- uterus and cervix
- fallopian tubes
- Ovaries
There are 2 ovaries, one on each side of the body, and are in close contact with the fallopian tubes. The ovaries regularly produce eggs each month for fertilization in women of childbearing age until menopause. During egg maturation, estrogen is secreted to prepare the intrauterine surface for pregnancy, and the hormone progesterone secreted after ovulation makes this surface suitable for pregnancy. When pregnancy does not occur, progesterone secretion is interrupted after a certain period of time and the inner surface of the uterus is poured with menstrual bleeding. This cycle, which occurs regularly every month during the fertility period, disappears when there are no egg cells and the menopause phase begins.
Ovarian Cancer Types, Causes and Risk Factors
Some ovarian tumors are benign (not cancerous). Ovarian tumors, which are malignant, that is, cancer, can be formed from epithelial tissue surface (cells lining the ovaries), germ (reproductive) cells (cells that form eggs), or sex cord stromal cells (cells that combine with different structures of the ovaries and secrete hormones). Ovarian cancer most often develops in the cells lining the ovaries. Cancer that occurs in this region is called epithelial ovarian cancer.
The most appropriate treatment method for ovarian cancers; combination of surgery and chemotherapy, and in some cases, radiotherapy. Ovarian cancer can metastasize to other organs in the pelvis, local or regional lymph nodes, the surface in the abdomen, or through the bloodstream to the intestines, bladder, uterus, lungs, and liver. In order to shape an effective treatment plan, it is important to determine the extent and stage of cancer spread. A series of tests are necessary before deciding on surgical intervention. Some blood tests are included in the diagnostic tests, including ultrasound of the pelvis and abdomen and measurement of CA-125 level.
What is CA-125?
A high level of CA-125 protein in the blood is related to ovarian cancer. However, it does not always mean that you have ovarian cancer. Because a high level of CA-125 protein in the blood can also occur due to a number of other reasons. A level of CA-125 less than 35 units per milliliter of blood is considered normal. In particular, the level of CA-125 detected in more than 35 units per milliliter in postmenopausal women increases the likelihood of ovarian cancer.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer?
As we always say, the best treatment for cancer is when it is detected early. Although not all causes of ovarian cancer are clear, some risk factors have been identified, while others are still in the research phase. As with other types of cancer, there are hereditary and non-hereditary factors in ovarian cancer. Hereditary factors occur through the transfer of damaged genes from the family and cannot be changed. We know that up to 10% of ovarian cancers are hereditary. If there is an individual in the family who has had ovarian cancer before, the risk ratio increases. However, there are also non-hereditary and modifiable factors.
Ways to Prevent Ovarian Cancer
There are some methods that you can apply in daily life to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. It will be enough to apply these methods in your daily life in the flow of life, and it will make you feel more fit and healthy.
- Diet / proper nutrition: Although the relationship between diet and cancer has not yet been clarified in all aspects, it is possible to make a diet by consuming foods rich in cereals, fruits and vegetables; Limiting red meat and alcohol has been proven to help you live a healthy life by keeping you at a healthy weight. This keeps the food factor that triggers cancer away.
- Exercise: The relationship between exercise and ovarian cancer is uncertain. Even so, exercise is important for health, as it provides numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart attack and preventing many types of cancer. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate exercise for you. The recommendation is to exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 or more days a week. You may be interested in: 14 types of exercise-related cancers
- Pregnancy: Being pregnant and having a child reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding is a factor that further reduces the risk.
- Birth control: Women who use birth control pills have a reduced risk of ovarian cancer. The reduction in the risk ratio was detected after only 3 to 6 months of use. The longer the birth control pill is used, the lower the risk. However, do not use these drugs without consulting your doctor, as they have serious risks and side effects.
Is Early Diagnosis and Screening Possible in Ovarian Cancer?
Screening and treatment research for many types of cancer has made great progress, allowing early cancer diagnosis. However, a common decision has not been reached yet on a special screening method for healthy individuals, except for those who carry the familial BRCA1-2 gene specific to ovarian cancer. In other words, there is no single screening test that detects the precursor lesions of ovarian cancer. For this purpose, many different cancer markers have been used in scientific research; however, these markers were found to be high in only 30% of the patients in the early stage, which we call stage 1.
Although the results obtained in screening with the use of more than one tumor marker are more successful, it is debatable how cost-effective they are. About 70% of ovarian cancers can be diagnosed at stage 3. The most important reason for the diagnosis of ovarian cancers at such a high rate is that this cancer spreads more directly into the abdomen (especially the peritoneum). Unlike many other cancers, ovarian cancer prefers to spread through the peritoneum rather than lymph or blood vessels. The most important point for early diagnosis is that any cystic formation that is detected in regular gynecological examination and post-menopausal ultrasonography and over three centimeters is considered suspicious.