Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, a part of the female reproductive system. It goes undetected until the disease has spread to the pelvis and the abdomen, making it more difficult to treat. However, if it is detected in the earlier stages, it can be treated successfully. The overview of ovarian cancer given below can help one know about its signs, detection, and treatment. 1. Symptoms In the early stages, there are hardly any signs or symptoms that would raise an alarm, and most of them can be confused with signs of other conditions. In more advanced stages of the condition, symptoms could include any or all of the following: Abdominal swelling or bloating Feeling full extremely fast Unexplained weight loss A dull discomfort in the pelvic region Changes in bowel pattern, including constipation Need to urinate often In case one is experiencing any of these symptoms or has a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, they should see a doctor. 2. Causes Ovarian cancer cannot be pinpointed to a single cause as yet, but it usually begins when a cell develops mutations in its DNA. These mutations lead to the cell multiplying rapidly and spreading, which then leads to the creation of a tumor.

Pulmonary hypertension is a kind of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and right side of the heart. The small arteries in the lungs, called pulmonary arterioles, and capillaries become narrow, blocked, and damaged. It becomes difficult for blood to flow through the lungs, increasing pressure on these arteries. When this happens, the heart’s lower right chamber or right ventricle works overtime, which leads to weakening and failing of the heart muscles. There are many causes and risk factors for pulmonary hypertension, including the following: 1. Symptoms and diagnosing pulmonary hypertension Pulmonary hypertension is tough to diagnose and is usually detected through the symptoms, so it is essential to note the signs and see a doctor when they persist. The main symptom is shortness of breath when you are active. The other signs include chest pain, passing out, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles. A doctor will conduct a physical examination and recommend an echocardiogram, CT scan, ventilation-perfusion scan, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and exercise testing on the treadmill. 2. Causes/risk factors for pulmonary hypertension At times, doctors cannot find a reason for high blood pressure in the lungs. This condition is called idiopathic pulmonary hypertension.

Melanoma is a type of cancer that develops in the melanocytes, the cells that control skin color. The abnormal and exponential growth of cancerous cells in the melanocytes gives rise to melanoma. The main cause of this cancer is long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from either sunlight or tanning beds and lamps. It is the most serious type of skin cancer, and melanoma can spread rapidly, affecting the neighboring cells in the body. 1. Causes Like any other form of cancer, doctors are still studying the cause of melanoma. Skin cancer and melanoma aren’t an exception. However, doctors suspect a few causes of the condition and have formulated a way to prevent it. Some causes are: The presence of many moles Increased tendency of getting freckles after sun exposure Presence of actinic lentigines, small gray-brown spots, also known as sunspots, liver spots, or age spots Giant congenital melanocytic nevus called birthmarks Pale skin that fails to tan easily and light-colored eyes Blistering sunburn and over-exposure to sunlight Age Family history Organ transplant The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that around 60,000 people die due to over-exposure to harmful sun rays. Thus, avoiding the harsh sun can help prevent melanoma in many cases.

Most people equate cancer treatments with chemotherapy and radiation, but apart from these common treatments for cancer, there are other treatment options available. Alternative or complementary therapy is one of the common cancer treatments that people opt for nowadays. Some of these therapies can help to reduce the post-chemotherapy and radiation side effects, while others claim to help cure cancer. The common cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation cause severe side effects. Many people find it very difficult to cope with the side effects and hence prefer alternative therapies that have lesser side effects. Some people believe in alternative therapies and hence prefer to try them out. Others would have tried conventional methods and are not happy with the results and hence prefer alternative therapies. Complementary therapy is possible where conventional therapies and alternative therapies can be administered together. This can help ensure a holistic approach to cancer treatment. 1. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a Chinese treatment system where needles are inserted into precise points to provide health benefits. Many people experience relief from the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation through acupuncture. It can be an effective technique to relieve pain. 2. Hypnosis Hypnosis involves a session with a trained hypnotherapist, who tries to make the patient relaxed.

Dyspareunia is a medical condition wherein there is intermittent or continuous occurrence of pain during sexual activity. Dyspareunia in menopause is a health issue that affects women. According to the latest stats, 20-45% of postmenopausal women suffer from this condition in the country. General symptoms include burning pain, deep pain during thrusting and throbbing pain, which lasts hours after intercourse. If this medical condition is not treated, it can cause inflammation and slashing of vaginal tissues. Consult a doctor if you feel you are suffering from this medical condition as there is treatment available. Postmenopausal women are affected by varied medical conditions, and dyspareunia can be one of them. There are many reasons due to which this condition occurs. Some of the commonly known and medically proven reasons that cause dyspareunia during menopause can include the following: 1. Estrogen level drop As women reach menopause, estrogen levels drop, which results in dryness of the vaginal tissues along with thinning. This results in dyspareunia. This is the most common cause of dyspareunia in menopause. 2. Surgeries Certain surgeries such as hysterectomy in postmenopausal women can lead to dyspareunia. 3. Emotional factors Certain emotional factors can be the reason for dyspareunia. Some of these emotional factors may include stress, anxiety, and depression, which can cause an occurrence of this medical condition.