The ovaries, which are tiny, almond-shaped organs on either side of the uterus that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone, are where ovarian cancer starts. Ovarian cancer is frequently referred to as a "silent killer," and because its early symptoms are ambiguous and easily missed, it is typically discovered at an advanced stage.
It is the most lethal of gynecological cancers and the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. However, there is growing optimism for better results and survival due to increased awareness, better diagnostic tools, and changing treatment approaches.
Based on the type of cells it starts in, ovarian cancer can be classified into multiple types:
Since each type exhibits unique behavior, accurate diagnosis and classification are essential for individualized treatment.
Although the precise cause of ovarian cancer is frequently unknown, a number of factors are linked to an increased risk:
Conversely, protective factors that lower the lifetime number of ovulations include breastfeeding, multiple pregnancies, and the use of oral contraceptives.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are frequently mild, which delays diagnosis. Among the early warning indicators are:
Medical help should be sought if these symptoms last longer than a few weeks, particularly in women over 40. Ovarian cancer in its early stages may not exhibit any symptoms at all.
Since there is currently no reliable test for ovarian cancer screening in the general population, it is particularly critical to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors. The diagnostic procedure typically entails the following steps when ovarian cancer is suspected:
When the tumor is removed during surgery and sent for histopathological examination, a definitive diagnosis is frequently made.
The four stages of ovarian cancer are Stage I (confined to the ovaries) and Stage IV (spread to distant organs). Unfortunately, the disease has already spread throughout the abdomen by the time many women receive a diagnosis at Stage III or IV.
Depending on the patient's stage, type, and general health, treatment usually consists of a mix of chemotherapy and surgery.
Surgery is both diagnostic and therapeutic. It may involve:
The goal is to achieve “no visible disease” after surgery whenever possible.
The majority of ovarian cancer patients need chemotherapy, usually paclitaxel and carboplatin. It could be provided:
Targeted treatments for certain ovarian cancers, especially those with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) or BRCA mutations, include:
These therapies may be used as maintenance treatment after chemotherapy to delay recurrence.
Early trials indicate promise in certain cases, but ovarian cancer is still being investigated.
Regular follow-up is necessary after treatment to identify recurrence, which regrettably happens to many patients. This usually consists of:
Additionally, patients should be supported in managing their psychological well-being, fertility issues, and menopause symptoms, particularly following surgery.
Ovarian cancer is a life-altering diagnosis, but with the right care, consistent monitoring, and supportive care, many women survive for years. With new medication options and repeated lines of therapy, advanced ovarian cancer is increasingly treated like a chronic illness, increasing survival and quality of life.
The patient journey can be greatly impacted by access to clinical trials, support groups, and genetic counseling, particularly for BRCA mutations.
Treatment for ovarian cancer is complicated, so receiving care from a multidisciplinary cancer team or gynecologic oncologist guarantees the best results. Careful planning should go into the decisions regarding long-term follow-up, chemotherapy, and surgery.
Gynecologic cancers, including ovarian cancer, are actively treated by medical oncologist Dr. Amit Badola. As part of a team-based, evidence-based approach to care, he provides chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and maintenance plans customized to each patient's genetic and clinical profile.
