Author: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Epithelial ovarian cancer is a disease in which the tissue covering the ovary becomes malignant.
The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system, located in the center of the pelvis, on either side of the uterus (the hollow pear-shaped organ in which the fetus develops).
A single ovary is somewhat similar in size and shape to a tonsil, and the function of the ovary is to ovulate and secrete estrogen. Among them, the female reproductive system includes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina.
The muscular outer layer of the uterus is called the myometrium and the inner layer is called the endometrium.
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
Epithelial ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the ovaries. In addition, there are ovarian germ cell tumors, ovarian tumors of low malignant potential, uncommon childhood ovarian cancer and other types.
I. Risk of disease
Anything that increases your risk of developing a disease is called a risk factor. A woman is at risk of developing ovarian cancer if a first-degree relative (ie, mother, daughter, or sister) has had ovarian cancer.
A woman is at higher risk if she has a first-degree relative and a second-degree relative (such as a grandmother or aunt) who have had ovarian cancer.
A woman who has two or more first-degree relatives who have had ovarian cancer is at very high risk. In conclusion, women with a family history of ovarian cancer are at greater risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Cells act as gene carriers, inheriting genetic information from their parents, and hereditary ovarian cancers account for about 5% to 10% of all ovarian cancers.
Currently, three modes of inheritance have been identified: ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer with breast cancer, and ovarian cancer with colon cancer.
Of course, some ovarian cancers are also caused by inherited genetic mutations. There are currently tests to detect mutated genes that can test members of families at high risk of cancer.
Women at higher risk for ovarian cancer may consider surgery to prevent ovarian cancer, which involves removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes so that cancer cells cannot survive.
In high-risk groups of women, this procedure has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer.
II. Symptoms
Usually, early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are not obvious.
Many tumors have advanced to an advanced stage by the time they have symptoms, including abdominal pain or swelling, pelvic pain, and gastrointestinal problems such as gas, bloating, or constipation.
Of course, these signs and symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions.
If these symptoms or signs are present, worsening or not getting better, consult a doctor for early diagnosis and treatment. Epithelial ovarian cancer is usually curable if caught early.
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Three, disease detection
So, how is ovarian cancer detected? Currently, there are several methods to help confirm the diagnosis, including:
Physical examination: Daily, during our health examination, the doctor will ask about the past medical history, and we should pay attention to whether there are lumps and other changes in the body. In addition, the doctor will ask about the patient’s health habits, previous medical conditions and treatment.
Pelvic exam: Mainly examines the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum.
During a pelvic exam, the healthcare provider wears gloves with both hands, applies lubricant, inserts a finger into the patient’s vagina, and presses the lower abdomen with the other hand to feel the size and shape of the uterus and ovaries and location.
Meanwhile, the doctor will insert a speculum to see if there are any abnormalities in the vagina and cervix, and a Pap smear is usually done at the same time.
Alternatively, the healthcare provider will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the patient’s rectum to check for lumps or abnormalities.
Ultrasound: The process by which internal tissues or organs reflect high-energy sound waves (ie, ultrasound) and produce echoes. The image formed by the echoes is called a sonogram and can be printed. Commonly include the following two:
Transabdominal ultrasound: An ultrasound transducer (probe) connected to a computer at one end is moved around the abdomen to examineTissues or organs reflect high-energy sound waves (ie, ultrasound) to create echoes, which in turn form sonograms.
Transvaginal Ultrasound: An ultrasound transducer (probe) is inserted into the vagina, and the internal tissues or organs reflect high-energy sound waves (ie, ultrasound) to create echoes, which in turn form sound waves picture.
CA-125 (cancer antigen 125, cancer antigen 125) test: It measures the level of CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is a substance released by cells into the blood, where elevated levels are a sign of cancer or other diseases.
CT (computed tomography): Also known as CAT (computed axial tomography), it takes pictures of areas inside the body from different angles, The process of forming a series of pictures through computer production.
During this period, the organs and tissues can be more clearly visualized by swallowing or injecting contrast medium.
PET (positron emission computed tomography): A test that can detect malignant cells in the body.
In this test, a small amount of radioactive glucose is injected into a vein, a PET scanner is placed around the body, and the body’s glucose usage is recorded.
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Because malignant tumor cells are more active than normal cells and can absorb more glucose, the brightness in the captured picture is higher, so that malignant tumor cells can be identified.
MRI (nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, also known as NMRI): A technique that uses magnets, radio waves, and a computer to take a series of detailed images of areas inside the body inspection.
Chest X-ray: This is an X-ray of the organs and bones of the chest. X-rays can penetrate the human body and create pictures of areas inside the body.
Biopsy: Checks for signs of cancer by taking cells or tissue that are then viewed under a microscope by a pathologist. Typically, biopsy of pathological tissue is obtained during tumor resection surgery.
Finally, cancer prognosis, recovery and treatment options are affected by many factors, generally depending on the stage of the tumor, the type and size of tumor cells, and whether the tumor tissue is surgically removed. Complete resection, age and medical condition of the patient, and whether the cancer was newly treated or recurred.
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