Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects women. It develops in the ovaries of females when cells that line or cover the outside of the ovaries grow abnormally and form malignant tumors. Ovarian cancer is often found in epithelial cells. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. There are no preventative treatments for this type of cancer. Ovarian cancer is typically diagnosed at a later stage and has few symptoms like back pain, stomach bloating, feeling full or having indigestion, frequent urination, or painful urination, constipation, pain during intercourse, pelvic pain, etc. The prevalence of ovarian cancer is about 8 out of 100 women worldwide. It is rarely found on its own but often goes hand in hand with other types of cancers affecting organs such as the breast, stomach, uterus, liver, pancreas, cervix, and rectum. Here in this article “Ovarian Cancer | My First Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer | Types of Ovarian Cancer | Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis” helps to increase awareness among masses about ovarian cancer:
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. But, there are various risk factors for ovarian cancer. Some symptoms can be symptoms of other diseases as well. In this article, we will discuss how to detect ovarian cancer early and identify risk factors for this cancer.
Symptoms:
- Bloating: The symptoms of bloating include abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea and gastro intestinal symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea.
- Heavy periods: Heavy periods can be a symptom of any number of conditions ranging from a cyst to a pelvic infection or a uterine tumor. However, anemia or uterine fibroids can also cause heavy periods.
- Unexplained weight change: Weight changes could indicate hormonal changes such as those during the menstrual cycle or menopause
- Loss of appetite or feeling full early.
- Feeling tired
Types of Ovarian Cancer
All the data gathered from all the research centers in the world it has been found that Epithelial Ovarian Cancer can be considered a common type. Fallopian Tube Cancer and Primary Peritoneal Cancer are almost the same types of cancers and are treated the way epithelial ovarian cancer is treated. Some common types of ovarian cancer types are listed below:
a- Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
The most common type of ovarian cancer is epithelial ovarian cancer. It is caused by the abnormal growth of the cells lining the outer walls of the ovaries. They are mostly cured by surgeries.
b- Germ Cell Ovarian Tumors
Germ Cell Ovarian tumors are not many dangerous types if caught at an early stage. They are treated by surgeries and if necessary chemotherapy is conducted. Women belonging to the young age group are mostly affected by this tumor but get cured.
c- Sex Cord Stromal Tumors
These cancer types are most commonly diagnosed at early stages and thus women suffering can be easily cured. This rare type starts from the sex cords of the ovaries. It’s a rare type of ovarian cancer and only 5% of all cancer patients suffer from this cancer type.
d- Borderline Ovarian Tumors
It’s a less dangerous type of cancer that makes only 15% of all cancer patients. This type of cancer affects women belonging to the 20 to 40 age group. It can easily be detected in the early stages but there are slight chances of this tumor coming back.
Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
Ovarian Cancer has symptoms similar to other diseases in the human body so it cannot be diagnosed properly in the early stage. Due to this fact, there are no specific tests at present to diagnose ovarian cancer properly. There are a number of research programs presently going on in different countries to devise tests for ovarian cancer diagnosis at an early stage. Presently physicians are focusing on two main tests to identify this type of cancer:
A- Ultrasound
An ultrasound test of the vaginal area is conducted to diagnose ovarian cancer. But this test cannot specifically mark that which type of cancer is prevailing in the body.
B- Blood Test CA125
According to researches body extracts a chemical called ca125 and women suffering from ovarian cancer have higher levels of this chemical. But this chemical is also released by the body during other diseases as well. So results of these tests are not considered as reliable as they should be and research is being done to devise some other test to give better results.
Fruits, Vegetables for Ovarian Cancer
Almost all the doctors around the globe have agreed at a single point that women going through ovarian treatment or yet to be diagnosed should follow a healthy lifestyle. This not only helps to fight this disease but also keeps the body well equipped to fight other symptoms causing ovarian cancer. Following is a detailed list of fruits and vegetables to decrease symptoms of ovarian cancer.
- Fruits: Banana, Apple, Mangoes, Olives etc
- Vegetables: Potatoes, Spinach, Carrots etc
- Liquids: Water, Smoothies, Fruit and Vegetable juices.
- Rice, Seeds and Lentils
Diet including all these food items and excluding processed meat, fast food, canned food improves immune system strength and also helps patients in fast recovery from ovarian cancer. But following a diet plan made by your physician.
Conclusion:
Reading the above article, Ovarian Cancer | My First Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer | Types of Ovarian Cancer | Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis, it is concluded that ovarian cancer is a very serious condition that most often affects older women. The symptoms of this condition can be vague and go unnoticed. Early detection is very important in order to have the best chance of survival. If you notice any changes going on with your body, or if you have a family history of ovarian cancer, speak with your physician to get checked out. Talk to your friends and family about the importance of early detection for ovarian cancer.
