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Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in a woman's ovaries. It often occurs in women over the age of 50, and if not diagnosed early and treated, it can lead to death within a few months.
It is more commonly seen in women who enter menopause early and in those with a family history of ovarian cancer. Women who have given birth and those who have used birth control pills tend to have a lower incidence.
Due to the ovaries' location deep within the abdominal cavity, it is generally difficult to detect ovarian cancer in its early stages, and diagnosis often occurs in the later stages of the disease.
In advanced stages, symptoms may include:
The diagnosis of ovarian cancer is made through the following tests and examinations:
Diagnosing ovarian cancer can sometimes be challenging. A mass that the doctor feels during the examination may be an organ pressing on the ovary or just a full bladder. Sometimes, a tissue sample may be required to examine whether cancer is present in other organs.
One of the following surgeries will often be performed:
Laparotomy: This surgical procedure involves opening the abdomen to examine the ovaries, and if cancer is detected, the ovaries and any surrounding at-risk organs are removed.
Endoscopy: This procedure is done by inserting a thin tube with an imaging system into the abdomen. Through this method, the doctor can take samples or fluid for further examination.
If necessary, a sample may be taken from the fluid that has accumulated in the abdomen due to cancer. This is a simple, painless procedure known as paracentesis.
When cancer is diagnosed, not only the ovaries but also the uterus, tubes, and nearby lymph nodes are removed to determine how far the cancer has spread and to prevent further spread. This procedure is called total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
In some cases, particularly in younger women who wish to have children, only the cancerous ovary may be removed. The other ovary is carefully examined, and a sample may be taken to check if cancer has spread.
When your ovaries are removed, your doctor may provide hormones that are normally produced by the ovaries. If you have not yet entered menopause, menopausal symptoms may be observed.
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary to prevent cancer recurrence or spread. If the tumor is detected early and removed promptly, a complete cure may be possible.
Regular annual gynecological examinations can help in the early detection of ovarian cancer. Additionally, you should promptly report any abnormalities, such as abnormal bleeding or swelling in the legs and abdomen, to your doctor.
Women with close relatives who have ovarian cancer should undergo routine ultrasounds and certain blood tests (such as CA 125) to facilitate early diagnosis of the disease
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