Recognize Symptoms, Causes, To Ovarium Cancer Treatment

Illustration of ovarian cancer. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Ovarium cancer is a type of cancer that attacks the reproductive organs of women, precisely in the ovaries or egg protection. Ovarium functions to produce egg cells as well as estrogen hormones and progesterons.

Reporting from the Cleveland Clinic page, this type of cancer is often referred to as a silent killer, because the symptoms are often not felt until it reaches advanced stages.

To be more vigilant, let's get to know more about ovarian cancer, from symptoms to treatment.

Symptoms

In the early stages, ovarian cancer often does not cause clear signs. However, as the disease develops, symptoms can begin to be felt, including:

- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis.

- The stomach feels bloating, enlarged, or feels full.

- Food appetite decreases or feels full quickly.

- Changes in the bowel movements (entangled or diarrhea).

- Often urinating.

- abnormal blood or whiteness, especially after menopause.

If these symptoms last for more than a few weeks, you should immediately check with the doctor. Early detection is very important to increase the chances of recovery.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not yet known, but some factors could increase the risk, such as:

- Age: Risks increase after the age of 50, especially over 60.

- Genetic factors: GenBRCA1 mutation and BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome can increase risk.

- Family history: If there are family members who have had ovarian cancer or breast cancer.

- Never pregnant or have children at an older age.

- Endometrosis: Conditions in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus.

- Weight excess (obesity).

The more risk factors you have, the more important it is for women to carry out routine checks and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Ovarium Cancer Diagnosis

Since there are no specific screening tests that are effective for early detection of ovarian cancer, the diagnosis is usually done through a combination of several examinations, including:

- Examination of the pelvis: Doctors check for magnification or lumps in the ovarian area.

- Imaging examination: Like pelvic ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, or PET scan to see the condition of the internal organs.

- CA-125 blood test: Measuring protein levels that can increase in ovarian cancer sufferers.

- Hunghoscopy: Surgery procedures with small cameras to see firsthand the condition of the ovaries and take tissue samples.

- Examination of histopologies: Analysis of networks in laboratories to ensure the type and stage of cancer.

Ovarium Cancer Treatment

The purpose of treatment is to remove or destroy as many cancer cells as possible in the body. Treatment methods usually include:

- Operations (Distinguishment): Lifting ovaries, uterines, and other cancer-infected tissues. Depending on the patient's condition, surgery can be done openly (laparotomy) or at least invasive (laparoscopy).

- Chemotherapy: Giving anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Can be given before or after surgery via infusion or oral medicine.

- Target Therapy: Using special drugs that attack cancer cells without damaging many healthy tissues.

- Hormone therapy: Given when cancer grows due to the influence of certain hormones, by inhibiting the work of these hormones.

- Radiotherapy: Using radiation rays to destroy cancer cells, although rarely used for ovarian cancer.

After the treatment is complete, the patient still needs regular control so that the doctor can monitor the possibility of a disease recovery.