Ovarian Cancer

Causes

• Age: Risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed after menopause.
• Family History: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with ovarian
  cancer increases the risk.
• Inherited Genetic Mutations: Mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase
  the risk of ovarian cancer.
• Reproductive History: Factors such as never giving birth, infertility, or starting
  menstruation at an early age may increase the risk.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Long-term use of estrogen-only HRT may
  increase the risk.
• Endometriosis: Women with endometriosis have an increased risk of certain types of
  ovarian cancer.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk.

Symptoms

• Abdominal Bloating: Feeling of fullness or bloating in the abdomen.
• Pelvic Pain: Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area.
• Difficulty Eating: Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating.
• Frequent Urination: Urinating more often than usual.
• Changes in Bowel Habits: Constipation, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without trying.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak.

Types

• Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Originates from the cells that cover the outer surface of the
  ovary.
  • Serous Carcinoma: Most common subtype.
  • Mucinous Carcinoma: Less common, tends to form mucin-filled cysts.
  • Endometrioid Carcinoma: Associated with endometriosis.
• Germ Cell Tumors: Arise from the cells that produce eggs.
• Stromal Tumors: Develop from the cells that produce female hormones.

Diagnosis

• Pelvic Examination: Physical examination to assess the ovaries and pelvic organs.
• Imaging Tests: Transvaginal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and PET scan to visualize the
  ovaries and detect tumors.
• Blood Tests: Testing for tumor markers such as CA-125, HE4, and others.
• Biopsy: Removing a sample of ovarian tissue for examination under a microscope to
  confirm cancer.

Treatment

• Surgery:
  • Total Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus and both ovaries.
  • Oophorectomy: Removal of one or both ovaries.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells, used before or after surgery.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams to kill cancer cells, sometimes used in
  combination with chemotherapy.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer.

Prevention

• Genetic Testing: For individuals with a family history of ovarian cancer or known
  genetic mutations.
• Oral Contraceptives: Long-term use of birth control pills may reduce the risk.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Having children and breastfeeding may reduce the risk.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising
  regularly may lower the risk.