Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the “silent killer” due to its subtle symptoms and challenges in early detection. Its late-stage diagnosis, when the cancer has already advanced, can make it exceptionally challenging to treat effectively. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and available screening methods is crucial in combating this formidable disease and improving outcomes for those affected.
What Are the Stages of Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer can be classified into four stages, each with its own characteristics and implications for survival. Understanding these stages, their associated survival rates, and common symptoms is vital for early detection and appropriate treatment. To make it easier to understand we’ve created the following overview:
| Stage | Subcategory | Description | Survival Rate | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage I | IA | Cancer is limited to one ovary. | About 90% | Often no symptoms, or mild abdominal discomfort. |
| IB | Cancer involves both ovaries. | About 90% | Often no symptoms, or mild abdominal discomfort. | |
| IC | Cancer is present in one or both ovaries, with tumor rupture, capsule rupture, or malignant cells on the ovary surface. | About 90% | Often no symptoms, or mild abdominal discomfort. | |
| Stage II | IIA | Cancer has spread to other pelvic organs. | Around 70-90% | Pelvic pain, bloating, frequent urination. |
| IIB | Cancer involves one or both ovaries, with tumor capsule rupture or malignant cells on the ovary surface. | Around 70-90% | Pelvic pain, bloating, frequent urination. | |
| Stage III | IIIA | Cancer has spread to the abdominal lining or lymph nodes in the abdomen. | About 39-70% | Digestive problems, weight loss, ascites (abdominal fluid). |
| IIIB | Cancer has spread to the abdominal lining, with tumor implants on the small bowel or omentum. | About 39-70% | Digestive problems, weight loss, ascites (abdominal fluid). | |
| IIIC | Cancer involves lymph nodes in the abdomen or retroperitoneal (behind the abdominal) lymph nodes, or there are microscopic deposits of cancer in the abdomen. | About 39-70% | Digestive problems, weight loss, ascites (abdominal fluid). | |
| Stage IV | IVA | Cancer has spread to distant organs outside the abdomen or pelvic area. | About 17-34% | Severe abdominal pain, breathlessness, extreme fatigue. |
| IVB | Cancer involves pleural fluid, a collection of fluid around the lungs. | About 17-34% | Severe abdominal pain, breathlessness, extreme fatigue. |
How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
Ovarian cancer is diagnosed through several steps: First, someone notices unusual signs like persistent bloating or abdominal pain and sees a doctor who asks about their symptoms. The doctor then does a physical exam and may order imaging tests like ultrasound or blood tests to check for specific markers linked to ovarian cancer. If cancer is suspected, a tiny piece of tissue may be taken from the ovary to confirm the diagnosis.
Are There Treatment Options?
Fortunately, there are treatment options for ovarian cancer. The choice of treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer and the person’s overall health. Options include:
- Surgery: doctors often start by removing the cancerous tissue through surgery. Sometimes, they remove one or both ovaries, the uterus, and nearby tissues. This helps stop the cancer from spreading.
- Chemotherapy: after surgery, many people receive chemotherapy, which is medicine that kills cancer cells. It’s usually given in cycles and can be given through pills or injected into a vein.
- Radiation: in some cases, radiation therapy may be used to target and kill cancer cells with high-energy rays. But it’s not as common for ovarian cancer as surgery and chemotherapy.
- Targeted therapy: this is a more specialized treatment that targets specific molecules involved in cancer growth. It’s often used when other treatments haven’t worked.
These days, medical professionals have various ways to treat cancer, including the options mentioned above. Sometimes, doctors combine these treatments, but there may be cases where they are no longer effective, prompting consideration of other options. To stay informed about new treatments, it is crucial to conduct extensive online research. If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and unsatisfied with your treatment plan, seeking a second opinion from another hospital or oncology center is always a wise decision. Keep exploring to learn more about cancer and its treatment options. Continue your search here:
