Ovarian Cancer: Early Diagnosis Increases Successful Treatment Outcomes
When cancer begins in the ovaries it is called ovarian cancer. Women have two
ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries, each one is approximately
the size of an almond, produce eggs, as well as female hormones such as estrogen
and progesterone.
When ovarian cancer is found in its early stage, the cancer is confined to the
ovary, it is more likely to be treated successfully. Frequently, ovarian cancer goes
undetected and is found at a late stage when it has spread within the pelvis and
the abdomen; which makes it difficult to treat and is often fatal. In fact ovarian
cancer is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer of the female
reproductive system, which makes early detection important. Early stage ovarian
cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms; while advanced stage ovarian
cancer's symptoms can be mistaken for more common problems like constipation
or irritable bowel. Because these symptoms may indicate a condition other than
cancer, it is important to pay attention to your body and know what is normal for
you. It is also important to see a doctor who can diagnosis your condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include the following:

Pain or discomfort in the pelvis area

Quickly feeling full while eating

Abdominal bloating or swelling

Back pain

A frequent need to urinate

Changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea

Vaginal bleeding or discharge that is not normal for you

Weight loss
Should you have vaginal bleeding that is not normal for you, see your physician
as soon as possible. A visit to the doctor is also important if you have any of
these other symptoms that are not normal for you, to determine whether
something other than cancer is causing these symptoms.
Diagnosis
Your doctor is likely to diagnosis your condition by doing the following:

A pelvic examination. The doctor will check for abnormalities.

Imaging tests. CT scans and ultrasounds of your pelvis or abdomen help determine
the shape, size and structure of your ovaries.

Blood test. To determine if a protein (CA 125) is on the surface of ovarian cancer
cells.

Surgery. A tissue sample and abdominal fluid are removed to confirm the diagnosis
of ovarian cancer.
Treatment
There are several types of treatment for ovarian cancer depending on the kind of ovarian
cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments for ovarian cancer can include surgery,
chemotherapy and radiation. Usually ovarian cancer is treated with surgery and
chemotherapy.

Surgery. During an operation doctors remove cancer tissue.

Chemotherapy. You may be given pills or medicines given in your veins, or
sometimes both, to shrink or kill the cancer.

Radiation. High energy rays ( like x-rays) may be used to kill the cancer.
You may have a medical team if you have ovarian cancer, each providing different
treatments. The following doctors may be a part of your medical team:

Gynecologic oncologists are doctors trained to treat cancers of a female' s
reproductive system.

Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with medicine.

Surgeons are doctors who perform operations.

Radiation oncologists are doctors who use radiation to treat cancer.
Generally, if you have ovarian cancer your gynecologic oncologist will work with you
to develop a treatment plan.
References
"Ovarian Cancer." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 7, 2014.
"Ovarian Cancer." Mayo Clinic. June 12, 2014.