Tag: ovarian cancer treatment

  • Ovarian cancer treatment and Symptoms

    Ovarian cancer treatment and Symptoms

    Ovarian Cancer treatment varies according to health conditions of the patient . Primarily the stage of ovarian cancer should be identified with symptoms and medical test for cancer to do effective ovarian cancer treatment .

    So this article will throw light on Ovarian cancer treatment and Symptoms

    Know what Cancer is a Threat to the New Generation

    Even though medical field is advanced , Cancer treatment methods are being novel cancer prevention still remains a question mark .

    Cancer : Cells multiply generally but when they do multiply in abnormal way they lead to production of cancer cells

    Cancer can affect any part of your body . Most commonly seen Cancer types in women are breast cancer and ovarian cancer .

    Here let’s take a look at Ovarian cancer

    Ovarian cancer treatment and Symptoms

    Unbelievable but fact that even a female child of 0-2 age group gets diagnosed with ovarian cancer . These cases are mostly hereditary through genes that they carry .

    Women from age of 19 – 60+ are highly prone to get ovarian cancer due to many reasons.

    Ovarian cancer is a 5th most common type of caner found only in women which affects the female ovaries that are responsible for producing female eggs . One of the greatest threat for Ovarian cancer treatment is the late identification or delayed diagnosis of ovarian cancer . Because early stages of ovarian cancer doesn’t exhibit cancerous symptoms in the patient. So when diagnosed lately the ovarian cancer stages would have crossed which makes the treatment difficult .

    Ovarian cancer could be not harmful in effect or very infectious which may lead to cancer. Benign tumor does not spread to other parts of the patient’s body. Malignant cancer cells in the ovaries could spread to different organs in the pelvis and abdomen which is the most typical way found.

    Causes of Ovarian Cancer – Do You know This Increases Your chance of Ovarian Cancer ?

    We are not really sure to sure affirm that these are the exact causes of ovarian cancer or these things would increase your chances of ovarian cancer . But more or less these can also pave way to ovarian cancer .

    Below are the common causes of ovarian cancer – Exclusive list :

    1. Growing older
    2. Faulty Inherited Genes  ( BRCA1 , BRCA2 genes )
    3. Already diagnosed with breast cancer ( Previous history of breast cancer in medical records)
    4. Taking Fertility Treatment or Infertile uterus
    5. Usage of HRT therapies
    6. BMI greater than 28
    7. Taller women has risk of ovarian cancer
    8. Obese women has high risk of ovarian cancer
    9. Previous record or present record of Endometriosis
    10. Using talcum powder below waist especially between legs
    11. Junk food and poor diet
    12. Smoking
    13. Being Alcoholic
    14. Not breastfeeding
    15. Unhygienic way of using pads longer time

    Read Also : Menstrual Cups, a solution to the pad effect-Another Period

    These are the commonly seen causes of ovarian cancer diagnosed in women.

    Prevent Ovarian Cancer – Know This can Reduce Risk of Ovarian Cancer in You

    Know what certain things that you never thought would be helpful and boon . It can prevent ovarian cancer in you or even reduce risk of ovarian cancer on you .

    So let’s take a look at the points given below to know ways to prevent ovarian cancer or things that reduce ovarian cancer risks –

    1. Breastfeeding babies longer
    2. Sterilization by tied up fallopian tubes
    3. Hysterectomy
    4. Delivery of babies
    5. Contraceptive pills usage
    6. Non starchy diet

    Read Also : Breast Sagging – Things that every women must know

    Types of Ovarian Cancer

    Different types of ovarian cancer are classified according to the type of cell from which they start.

    1. Epithelial tumors

    • Mostly 90 percent of ovarian cancers create in the epithelium which is the thin layer of tissue that covers the ovaries.
    • Postmenopausal women are more prone to  the risk of being affected with Epithelial tumors.
    1. Germ cell carcinoma tumors

    • Germ cell carcinoma tumors start in the cells that frame eggs.
    • As germ cell carcinoma can occur in women of any age specially it tends to be found most often in women in their early 20s.
    • Germ cell carcinoma is of six types that exist, but the three mainly common types are: dermatomes, dysgerminomas and endoderm sinus tumors.
    • Many tumors that occur in the germ cells are not harmful in effect.
    1. Stromal carcinoma tumors

    • It creates in the connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and those that produce the female hormones estrogens and progesterone.
    • Unlike epithelial ovarian carcinoma, around 70 percent of stromal carcinoma cases are diagnosed in Stage I.
    1. Small cell carcinoma of the ovary

    • Small cell carcinoma of the ovary is a rare and highly harmful tumor that affects mostly young women, with an average age at diagnosis of 24 years old.
    • The subdivision of a type of SCCO include pulmonary, neuro-endocrine and hypercalcemic whereas around two-thirds of patients with SCCO have hypercalcemic.
    • The symptoms are the same as other types of ovarian cancer.

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    What are the Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer ?

    It is difficult to detect ovarian cancer, especially in the early stages. This is because of the reason that the ovaries are two small like almond-shaped organs on either side of the uterus that are deep within the abdominal cavity. The following are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer recognized in women:

    • Bloating
    • Pelvic or abdominal pain
    • Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
    • Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often

    Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

    • Fatigue
    • Upset stomach or heartburn
    • Back pain
    • Pain during sex
    • Constipation or menstrual changes

    If symptoms are new and continue for over two weeks, it is recommended that a woman ought to without further more delay see a doctor and a gynecologic oncologist before the surgery if the growth of cancer is suspected.

     Persistence of Symptoms

    At the point when the symptom are constant and they do not resolve with normal mediation for e.g. diet change, exercise, intestinal medicines or rest then it is very important for a woman to see a doctor. Symptoms used to normally occur during the advanced stages of ovarian cancer like stage 3 and 4 . Then that time the growth of tumor creates pressure in the bladder and rectum, and fluid starts to frame.

    Ovarian Cancer Treatment 

    • The standard treatment for ovarian cancer comprises of debulking surgery followed by six rounds of chemotherapy.
    • The reason for treatment for ovarian cancer is to surgically expel the cancer which is likely through the debulking surgery and then later to provide therapy such as chemotherapy, to slaughter any perhaps remaining cancer cells in the body.

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    Post Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

    • A gynaecologic oncologist will explain to a woman patient the nature of the operation and the amount of tissue that will be removed.
    • During the operation, the doctor will also assess how far the tumor has spread in the patient’s body, to understand and determine the stage of the cancer.
    • The doctor will give tissue samples to a pathologist, who will find out the level of the ovarian cancer.
    • Post operation, the doctor will examine the nature of the chemotherapy that will be given to the patient, which will rely on the stage of the disease and how much of the tumour was evacuated.

    Chemotherapy

    • Patients go through chemotherapy in an effort to kill any cancer cells that are left in the body after surgery.
    • Women suffering from ovarian cancer post surgery usually go through to either systemic chemotherapy or systemic chemotherapy and intraperitoneal therapy.
    • The chemotherapy nurse plays a very important role as health care professional in a patient’s life as she or he assesses the side effects of the drugs and helps alleviate them.

    Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

    Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy is in which the doctor places the medicine directly into the peritoneal area through a surgically implanted port and catheter.

    Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

    Some patients may receive chemotherapy before having surgery to remove their tumors thus this process is known as Neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

    Read Also : Postpartum Ovarian Cysts – Symptoms and treatment

    Ovarian Cancer Treatment Based on Stages of Ovarian Cancer

    There are different grades and stages of ovarian cancer . So as the treatment for each stage of ovarian cancer differs .

    Stages of ovarian Cancer

    There are basically 3 grades of ovarian cancer which explains about the rapidness of cancer cells to spread in your ovaries . Grade 3 undifferentiated is the serious grade of ovarian cancer as they are too quick to grow an spread .

    Now when we talk about stages of ovarian cancer it can be basically 4 stages of ovarian cancer .

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    Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer

    In this the cancer cells are present in mild grades only inside ovaries or may be on the surface of ovaries

    Stage 1a Ovarian Cancer indicates presence of cancer cells on only one of your ovaries

    Stage 1b Ovarian Cancer indicates presence of cancer cells on both left and right ovaries

    Stage 1c Ovarian Cancer means the cancer cells are found to be present on the surface of your ovaries . It can both ovaries or just one also

    Women with stage 1 ovarian cancer undergo surgeries mainly as they are starting stage of cancer .

    If it is grade 3 stage 1c ovarian cancer then chemotherapy is advised as the chances of cancer cells to grow is rapid than expectation level .

    Stage 1a and 1b ovarian cancer treatment involves surgeries to remove womb , cervix , ovaries and Fallopian tubes

    Stage 2 Ovarian Cancer

    When growth of cancer cells is left untreated in stage 1 ovarian cancer then the person gets stage 2 ovarian cancer . In stage 2 ovarian cancer treatment level is extensive than stage 1 .  In this cancer cells started to grow near pelvis and outside ovaries and may even extend to abdomen area.

    Stage 2 (2a Ovarian Cancer) Here cancer cells are grown inside Fallopian tubes

    Stage 2 (2b Ovarian Cancer) growth of cancer cells to pelvis area

    Stage 2 (2c Ovarian Cancer) growth of cancer cells to abdominal area

    Interval debulking surgery , chemo-therapies and biological therapy are the primary ways of treatment for stage 2 ovarian cancer.

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    Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer

    It is advanced level of ovarian cancer where growth of cancer cells at abdominal lining and back of womb can be found

    Stage 3 (3a Ovarian Cancer) Here cancer cells are grown in the abdominal lining which can be tested out from the tissue sample taken from abdominal linings

    Stage 3 (3b Ovarian Cancer) 2cm growth of cancer cells in abdominal lining

    Stage 3 (3c Ovarian Cancer) growth of cancer cells more than 2cm growth of cancer cells in abdominal lining or even at back of womb or lymph nodes

    Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer

    This stage the survival or effectiveness of treatment is not much appreciable . Ovarian cancer treatment for Stage 4 ovarian cancer includes repeated session of chemo.

    Stage 4 ovarian cancer is so critical where cancer cells would have spread to many other parts like especially liver , lungs etc

    Stage 4 (4a Ovarian Cancer) In pleura of lungs cancers cells are found in this stage

    Stage 4 (4b Ovarian Cancer) In this cancer cells would have grown outside abdominal region and have moved to lungs , liver and to lymp nodes .

    Identification of early signs of ovarian cancer is most important because early cancer treatment has the best survival rate . Women when getting aged can frequently make a CT scan and visit gynecologist regularly to know that you are healthy moving .

    Ovarian cancer treatment should be done immediately if you are diagnosed with any of the stage because treatment has improved the survival rate of the disease .

    As equal it is important to diagnose disease a hundred time more important it is to do precautionary you can to prevent ovarian disease. Like unhealthy habits , obesity , unhygienic menstruation all should be tackled out which is the least best you can do for your well being .

  • Postpartum Ovarian Cysts – Symptoms and treatment

    Postpartum Ovarian Cysts – Symptoms and treatment

    Here we discuss one of the main female health issues – Postpartum Ovarian Cysts and Symptoms of ovarian cysts . Also different ovarian cyst treatment

    Every woman develop cysts at least once in her lifetime. A ovarian cyst is a fluid filled sac which forms inside the ovary / female reproductive system. Not all cysts are painful though most of them cause symptoms such as pain during sex, nausea, irregular menstrual cycles, bloating, painful bowel moments and pain in the lower abdomen. Here we will discuss about Postpartum Ovarian Cysts

    Anatomy and physiology of ovary

    Ovaries also known as female gonad are a pair of female reproductive glands located on either side of the uterus in the pelvis. The ovary is of a size of a walnut. The main function of ovary is to produce ova and also release the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovary being the main source of female hormones is responsible for the various feminine characteristics like the breasts, body shape, and the female pattern of hair distribution. The pregnancy and menstrual cycle is also regulated by the ovaries.

    Read Also : Breast Sagging – Things that every women must know

    Pathophysiology of Ovarian cyst

    Ovarian cysts are generally small sac within the ovary. They might be filled with liquid or any semi solid substance. It may or may not be cancerous. Most of the times the ovarian cyst are benign.

    Each month in a normal female with proper functioning ovaries there is development of small follicles called as Graafian follicles. During the mid cycle the dominant follicle among them releases a mature oocyte. This ruptures and forms the corpus luteum. If the mature oocyte does not undergo fertilization then it undergoes fibrosis and gradually shrinks. If fertilization takes place then the corpus luteum slowly increases in size and decreases during pregnancy. The cysts that arise due to the normal ovarian function are called functional cysts and are benign. These could be follicular or luteal cysts. In cases of infertility, the ovulation inducing agents like FSH, HCG, clomiphene citrate may cause over stimulation and cause cysts.

    Ovarian cysts occur at any age and the incidence is more during reproductive age. Cyst after child birth are also increasing and are seen more commonly in those following Postpartum birth control methods. As the lady undergoes menopause the chances of getting ovarian cyst also decreases.

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    Types of Ovarian Cysts

    Not all ovarian cyst are dangerous but there are dangerous ovarian cysts also . Ovarian cyst and cancer is a common topic that is discussed so far . But as we said some ovarian cis will be leading to ovarian cyst cancer.

    There are different types of Ovarian Cyst –

    • Ovarian endometriomas /endometrioma chocolate cyst

    This endometrioma chocolate cyst increases the risk of ovarian cancer in women .

    • Ovarian cystadenomas

    This ovarian cyst can also turn into cancerous cyst in ovary.

    • Ovarian dermoid cysts

    This cyst doesn’t go away on its own , it is mostly treated with surgery only.

    Postpartum is a crucial phase in a woman’s life. The changes the body and especially the reproductive organs go through and the hormones and their effects can create anxiety. Maintaining good Postpartum health is very important. The chances of cyst after child birth are equally high. These could be due to a variety of reasons. The Postpartum birth control pills are also attributed as a reason for the Postpartum Ovarian Cysts .

    Read Also :  Menstrual Cups, a solution to the pad effect-Another Period

    Vaginal cyst, ovarian cyst after delivery and ovarian cyst during breast feeding are commonly seen post child birth and mostly are silent. They just go unnoticed and are symptom-less unless complications arise.

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    Read Also : Cancer Preventing Ketogenic Diet Plans

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    Signs and symptoms of Postpartum Ovarian Cysts

    Postpartum health is crucial for development of vaginal cyst as we as ovarian cyst. Most of the time ovarian cyst after delivery or the ovarian cyst during breast feeding goes unnoticed unless they undergo complications. The ovarian cysts do not produce any symptoms. They are just an incidental finding during pelvic examination or an ultrasound that is done for some other reason. The patient may present with symptoms if it is a large cyst or a ruptured cyst. Larger the cysts more are the symptoms due to the size of the cyst, pressure symptoms, as well as due to the distortion of the surrounding anatomical structures.

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    Cysts on Ovaries Symptoms

    If you are worrying about whether you have cysts on ovaries symptoms of such cases of Ovarian Symptoms includes

    • Bloating or abdominal fullness.
    • Lower back pain
    • Early satiety even after ingestion of a small quantity of food
    • Increased urinary frequency as well as pain while passing urine.
    • Constipation as well as altered bowel movements
    • Painful sexual intercourse
    • Delayed ad irregular menstrual periods.

    In some cases the cysts undergoes torsion or breaks open. In such cases of cyst rupture the patient complains of:

    • Excruciating sudden abdominal pain accompanied with nausea and vomiting
    • Sharp pain during or after sex

    Ruptured cysts bleed profusely which requires immediate medical attention to prevent the complications of severe bleeding.

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    Diagnosis of ovarian cyst 

    Most of the times the diagnosis of ovarian cyst is incidental finding but in cases of complicated cyst it is the leading diagnosis. A gynecologist while examining the pelvis by bimanual method grabs the diagnosis of ovarian cyst. If the patient has classical symptoms, then imaging techniques give the diagnosis of ovarian cyst. Ultrasound is the diagnostic modality to diagnose ovarian cyst. Transvaginal ultrasound gives a clearer picture of the ovaries by passing a probe inside the vagina. CT scan or MRI scan also help in diagnosing ovarian cyst.

    Though cancer of the ovaries is a very rare entity, it is essential to rule out ovarian cancer in all patients above the age of 40 years. CA-125, a serum marker gives a clue to the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. But in all cases it does not depict cancer. It is not a specific test and will be elevated even in normal women of child bearing age.

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    Treatment of Postpartum Ovarian Cysts

    Ovarian cyst treatment is not always ovarian cancer treatment , there are different ways of ovarian cyst treatment –

    Medical management

    Ovarian cyst after delivery or the ovarian cysts during breast feeding are generally of follicular type or corpus luteum cyst. These generally regress in size and gradually disappear in one to three months. The chances of rupture are also present with these cysts. The advantage of these cysts is that they are benign and do not cause medical issues over a longer period of time. Most of the time these cysts go unnoticed and can be an incidental finding during pelvic or radiological imaging. Postpartum birth control pills helps in stopping the ovulation process. Thus the emergence of new cyst formation is prevented.

    Ultrasound gives a clue if it is a simple or complex cyst. A simple cyst will have only fluid without any tissue whereas a complex cyst has solid components. The complex cyst requires surgical excision. For pain, a pain killer can be useful.

    To summarize, treatment of ovarian cysts is a multi factorial decision. Most of the times the ovarian cysts that occur during breast feeding or after delivery need no treatment. Depending on the size of the cysts, the pressure symptoms caused, age of the patient and the ultrasound findings treatment modality can be determined. Cysts that are functional are only observed without any treatment. They need frequent close up monitoring to watch for signs of torsion or rupture. If they undergo torsion or rupture causing severe bleeding then surgery is the mainstay of treatment to prevent further blood loss. Benign and malignant tumors have to be excised by surgery. If it is a malignant tumor, then surgery is the option to remove it followed by anti cancer treatment.

    Note – Even there are home remedies for ovarian cysts treatment but i think personally it is not the right solution for cyst .

    Surgery for ovarian cyst

    For surgical removal either laparotomy or laparoscopy can be done. The cyst that is removed is sent to histopathological examination to give the final diagnosis of the type and nature of the cyst.

    Prognosis of Postpartum Ovarian Cysts

    Most functional or Postpartum Ovarian Cysts are self limiting. They resolve by its own and do not cause any long term complications. The prognosis of ovarian cancer depends on the stage of the disease, and extent of spread.

    Postpartum Ovarian Cysts in most of the cases are silent cysts without any problems. Seeking a gynecologist help when there is suspicion of ovarian cyst is required to prevent any future complications. Ovarian cyst after delivery or the ovarian cysts during breast feeding are self limiting.