Introduction

Ovarian cancer is one of the commonest cancer seen in females .Ovaries are part of our reproductive system. They are present in abdomen below the belly . They are two in number.

What do patients complain?

Ovarian cancer normally  present commonly with loss of appetite , feeling bloated, heartburn ,increased frequency of urination , distension of belly or swelling of entire abdomen , breathlessness in later stage etc.

Diagnosis

There are certain tests used for diagnosis

1. 1. Ultrasound of abdomen – it is a hand held device  which is kept over the abdomen .
   2. Blood tests including tumour marker ( CA 125)
   3. Biopsy - Biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue from the tumour using either ultrasound or CT scan. These small pieces are sent to pathologist for diagnosis.
   4. CT scan or WBPET or MRI can be used for complete staging

Staging

Depending on the size of tumor and its spread they are divided into Stage I,II,III and Stage IV.

Treatment

Almost all patients with Carcinoma Ovary benefit from surgery .Many times chemotherapy is given prior to surgery ( Neo Adjuvant Chemotherapy) or after surgery (Adjuvant chemotherapy).

1. Surgery – The surgery involves complete removal of uterus , ovary , fallopian tubes and also if there is spillage of tumour elsewhere in the abdomen.
2. Chemotherapy - Are given in the form of injections which are given in the form of cycles with period of rest in between .The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of drugs , duration of treatment and dose of the drugs . Common side effects are diarrhoea,hair loss, loss of appetite mouth ulcers etc.

For any further queries  you can contact any of the oncologist on this platform .