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. These cells slowly and gradually replace the healthy cells in the body, leading to vital functions and organs shutting down. They could also break off from the place of origin and spread to nearby tissues and to other parts of the body.

• Age plays a crucial role in this type of cancer. It is usually found in women over 63 years of age.
• A family history of such cancers can put one at high risk of the condition. Thus, regular genetic screening is advisable.
• Women who have children before the age of 35 years are at a lower risk of ovarian cancer. Also, those undergoing fertility treatment might have a higher chance of developing it.
• Breast cancer patients are at a high risk of developing ovarian cancer due to the changes in the BRCA gene.
• Obesity is also a major reason for women to get this cancer. Those with a BMI of over 30 are at high risk.
• Undergoing hormone treatment therapy after menopause could also increase the chances of ovarian cancer.

3. Diagnosis

• A pelvic examination helps find irregularities, but if the tumor is small, then it’s difficult to detect it.
• Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is an imaging test that uses sound waves to detect tumors in the reproductive organs.
• A pelvic and abdomen CT scan is an X-ray that gives detailed cross-sectional images of the reproductive system and helps detect large tumors. It also helps find enlarged lymph nodes and the spread of cancer to other organs.
• An MRI scan uses strong magnets to create cross-sectional images of the body. A contrast material called gadolinium is injected into a vein to get clearer images.
• Blood tests- are used to check for high levels of a marker called CA-125.
• A laparoscopy is a procedure wherein a small, thin tube with a camera is inserted to see the ovaries and take a tissue sample for biopsy.

4. Treatment
Multiple treatment options are available depending upon the type, stage, and grade of ovarian cancer.

• Surgery

A hysterectomy is done to remove one or both the ovaries, and also the affected lymph nodes.

• Chemotherapy

Medication is used to kill cancer cells in this procedure.

• Targeted therapy

This treatment method targets specific cells that promote cancer growth.

• Radiation therapy

It uses X-rays to kill cancer cells.

The above overview of ovarian cancer should help one to detect this cancer as soon as possible in order to commence treatment.