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Ovarian Cancer

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Ovarian Cancer

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, the female reproductive glands that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Women have two ovaries — one on each side of the uterus.

Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent killer” because it may not show noticeable symptoms until it has already spread within the pelvis or abdomen. However, early detection significantly improves survival rates.

Understanding the Ovaries

Each ovary is about the size of an almond. Besides releasing eggs for reproduction, they regulate important hormones. Because the ovaries are located deep in the abdomen, tumors may grow unnoticed for a long time.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

  1. Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (~90% of cases)
    • Arises from the outer surface of the ovary
    • Most common type, especially in postmenopausal women
  2. Germ Cell Tumors
    • Begin in egg-producing cells
    • More common in teenagers and young women
  3. Stromal Tumors
    • Begin in hormone-producing cells
    • Often diagnosed at an earlier stage
  4. Fallopian Tube Cancer & Primary Peritoneal Cancer
    • Rare, but treated similarly to ovarian cancer

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Early symptoms are vague and often mistaken for other conditions like bloating or indigestion. Key signs include:

  • Abdominal bloating or swelling
  • Persistent pelvic or lower belly pain
  • Feeling full quickly while eating
  • Difficulty eating or loss of appetite
  • Frequent urination or urgent need to urinate
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation or changes in bowel habits
  • Menstrual irregularities or postmenopausal bleeding
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Unexplained weight loss or gain (due to fluid buildup)

Important: If these symptoms persist more than 2–3 weeks, consult a gynecologist.

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

  • Age > 50 years
  • Family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
  • BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
  • Never being pregnant
  • Early menstruation or late menopause
  • Endometriosis
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • Obesity or high-fat diet
  • Smoking

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

  1. Pelvic Examination
    • Physical examination by a gynecologist
  2. Ultrasound
    • Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS) – Imaging test to look for masses
  3. CA-125 Blood Test
    • A tumor marker elevated in many (but not all) ovarian cancers
  4. CT or MRI Scans
    • To assess tumor size, spread, and lymph node involvement
  5. PET-CT Scan
    • Whole-body imaging for staging and treatment planning
  6. Biopsy or Surgical Exploration
    • Often done through laparoscopy or open surgery to confirm diagnosis

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

  • Stage I: Cancer confined to one or both ovaries
  • Stage II: Cancer has spread to pelvis (fallopian tubes, uterus)
  • Stage III: Spread to abdomen or lymph nodes
  • Stage IV: Spread to distant organs (liver, lungs, etc.)

Treatment Options at Onco-Life Cancer Centre

We use a multidisciplinary approach involving gynecologic oncologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiologists.

  1. Surgery

    • Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of uterus, both ovaries & fallopian tubes)
    • Omentectomy (removal of fatty tissue from the abdomen)
    • Debulking surgery to remove as much cancer as possible

  2. Chemotherapy

    • Platinum-based drugs (e.g., Carboplatin, Paclitaxel)
    • Given after surgery or before (neoadjuvant) if tumor is large

  3. Targeted Therapy

    • Bevacizumab (Avastin) – Prevents blood supply to tumor
    • PARP inhibitors (e.g., Olaparib) – For BRCA-mutated or recurrent cases

  4. Hormone Therapy

    • Used for certain stromal tumors to block hormone growth stimulation

  5. Radiation Therapy

    • Not routinely used, but may be helpful in palliative settings

  6. Supportive Care

    • Nutritional guidance
    • Fertility counselling (especially for younger patients)
    • Pain and symptom management
    • Psychological and emotional support

Prevention & Early Detection

  • Genetic counselling and BRCA testing for women with family history
  • Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) have been shown to lower risk
  • Tubal ligation or hysterectomy may reduce risk
  • Prophylactic surgery (removal of ovaries) in high-risk women
  • Regular pelvic exams and awareness of symptoms

Note: There is no standard screening test for early detection in average-risk women.

Ovarian Cancer in India

  • Often diagnosed late due to non-specific symptoms
  • More common in urban women aged 45–65
  • Rising cases due to delayed childbirth, obesity, and lifestyle changes
  • Awareness and early gynaecological check-ups are essential for survival

Most Popular Questions

Ovarian Cancer

1. Is ovarian cancer curable?

Yes, especially if detected in Stage I or II. Even advanced stages can be treated effectively.

2. What is CA-125?

A blood test that measures a protein often elevated in ovarian cancer.

3. Can ovarian cancer be detected early?

Not always. There's no reliable screening for the general population, so symptom awareness is vital.

4. Does every ovarian cyst mean cancer?

No. Most cysts are benign. Complex or persistent cysts need evaluation.

5. How long does treatment take?

Usually 4–6 cycles of chemotherapy over 3–6 months, plus surgery.

6. Can young women get ovarian cancer?

Yes. Germ cell and stromal tumours are more common in women under 40.

7. What are BRCA genes?

Mutations in BRCA1/2 increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancers.

8. Can ovarian cancer come back?

Yes. Regular follow-ups are crucial to detect recurrence early.

9. Does ovarian cancer affect fertility?

Yes, especially if both ovaries are removed. Fertility-sparing surgery is possible in early-stage young patients.

10. Is chemotherapy painful?

The process isn’t painful, but side effects like nausea, hair loss, and weakness may occur.

11. Are there diet restrictions during treatment?

High-protein, easily digestible diets are preferred. Avoid raw or unhygienic foods.

12. Can ovarian cancer spread to other organs?

Yes, commonly to the peritoneum, liver, and lungs.

13. Is hair loss permanent?

No. Hair usually grows back after chemo ends.

14. Can I exercise during treatment?

Light activity is encouraged, based on energy levels. Avoid overexertion.

15. What is debulking surgery?

Surgical removal of as much tumour as possible to improve treatment outcomes.

16. Is targeted therapy better than chemo?

Used in specific cases, often as maintenance or second-line therapy.

17. How often should I follow up after treatment?

Every 3–6 months initially, then annually, as per your doctor’s advice.

18. Can I prevent ovarian cancer?

Not entirely, but risk can be reduced through genetics-based planning and healthy lifestyle.

19. Is ovarian cancer painful?

Pain is not common early but may occur later due to tumour pressure or spread.

20. What support is available during treatment?

At Onco-Life, we offer emotional counselling, dietitian support, survivorship programs, and palliative care when needed.