Structural Biochemistry/Ovarian Cancer

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer which abnormal cells begin to grow in one or both of a woman's ovaries. An ovary is a small gland, located on both sides of the uterus; it is known for producing and storing eggs.

Causes of Ovarian Cancer

There is no known cause of ovarian cancer, however researchers know that DNA chances can play a factor into cancer causing cells.

Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

In several cases, ovarian cancer is not diagnosed until it is in its later stages. However, the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

Frequent bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Bloating or swollen belly area

If these symptoms persist daily for more than 2 to 3 weeks, it is best to consult a doctor.

There are other symptoms that occur with ovarian cancer, but are not necessarily a sign of cancer. They consist of:

Fatigue
Indigestion
Back pain
Pain with intercourse
Constipation
Menstrual cycle changes

Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer

Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is often not detected in it's earlier stages. However, some tests are done if a patient is showing signs of ovarian cancer.

Some exams that are used to diagnose ovarian cancer include:

Biopsy
Physical exams, including a pelvic exam and a Pap test
Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) test to measure amount of protein found on cancer cell surfaces
Pelvic and transvaginal ultrasounds
Pelvic or abdominal CT scan or MRI

Treating Ovarian Cancer

At the moment, surgery is used to treat all stages of ovarian cancer. Surgery can involve either:

Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy)
Removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes
Parital or complete removal of the omentum (the fatty later that covers and cushions the organs in the abdomen)
Examination, biopsy, or removal of the lymph node and other tissues in the pelvis and abdomen

Surgery in ovarian cancer has been known to show a high succes rate.

Chemotherapy is also an option to treat any remaining cancerous cells after surgery.

References

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