Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
From Screening to Testing to Treatment: Everything You Need to Know About Ovarian Cancer
Early stage ovarian cancer is more difficult or impossible to detect during a pelvic exam, so it is important for patients to know the signs and symptoms. The earlier it is detected, the better a patient’s outlook is for treatment. Women and those with female reproductive organs should continue to have regular pelvic exams, but also speak with their doctor if they have any irregularities or symptoms that we’ll look at below.?
Screening for Ovarian Cancer
Screening tests, such as mammograms, are exams used to detect a disease, such as cancer, in people who don’t have any symptoms. There has been a lot of research to develop a screening test for ovarian cancer, but there hasn’t been much success so far. However, a doctor might use one of two screenings for those at average or high risk of ovarian cancer, along with a full pelvic exam. These two screenings are a transvaginal ultrasound to try and visualize masses, or a CA-125 blood test that measures a specific protein in the blood that is high when a person has ovarian cancer.?
Risk Factors and Genetic Testing
Some genetic screenings can be done to detect if you have a gene mutation that puts you at a higher risk for developing ovarian cancer. This tests for common mutations found on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but some ovarian cancers are linked to mutations on several other genes. If you have a gene mutation, this will help you know that you should pay even closer attention to your body and changes in it that might suggest you are developing ovarian cancer.?
The Importance of Pelvic Exams
Pelvic exams are used to detect many types of cancer that affect female reproductive organs, such as cervical cancer. During a pelvic exam, your doctor will also palpate your lower abdomen to feel the ovaries and uterus for size, shape, and consistency. This is what makes it difficult to detect ovarian cancer early on. But because pelvic exams detect other forms of cancer, it is extremely important to get regular exams.?
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Because ovarian cancer is difficult to detect early on, people with ovaries should pay attention to changes in their body and know and watch for warning signs. It is important to know that you are more likely to have symptoms if the disease has spread, but even early-stage ovarian cancer can cause symptoms.?
The most common symptoms include:
These symptoms are most commonly caused by benign (non-cancerous) diseases and by cancers of other organs. When caused by ovarian cancer, they tend to be persistent and are a change from normal, for example, the symptoms may occur more often or are more severe.?
It’s also important to note that these symptoms are more likely caused by other conditions, and most of them occur just about as often in women who don’t have ovarian cancer. But if you have these symptoms more than 12 times a month, you should see your doctor to discover the problem and treat it if necessary.?
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
Testing for and Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer
Testing for ovarian cancer happens when it is believed the patient might have cancer. Your doctor will consider your symptoms along with any possible risk factors to determine if testing is necessary. Often, this testing begins with a pelvic exam to check for enlarged ovaries or signs of fluid in the abdomen. If there is reason to suspect you may have ovarian cancer, the doctor will order other tests to check further.
You will have a consultation with a gynecologic oncologist, an OB/GYN who specializes in treating cancers of the female reproductive system. They may order imaging tests to get a better picture of your ovaries such as:
Other tests may be used to detect ovarian cancer including:?
Treatment Options and Outlook for Ovarian Cancer
Outlook or survival rate from ovarian cancer depends on the type and stage of your ovarian cancer as well as how well it responds to treatment. Detecting cancer as early as possible often means a better outlook. It is best to speak with your gynecologic oncologist or other cancer specialists about your specific case to understand your survival rate.?
Just like with other forms of cancer, there are many different treatment options for ovarian cancer. The treatment or combination of treatments you and your doctor select will depend on the type and stage of cancer you have as well as your overall health, personal preferences, and whether you plan to have children. It is important to discuss all treatment options, their goals, and possible side effects so that you can make the most informed decision that best fits your needs. And don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion if time permits. This can help you feel more confident about the treatment plan you choose.?
Some of the common treatments and approaches include:?
Palliative Care During Cancer Treatment
Fighting cancer can be painful or uncomfortable. Many patients find it helpful to receive palliative care while receiving life-saving cancer treatments. Many people confuse hospice and palliative care. While both types of care focus on providing comfort, the difference is that palliative care is done in conjunction with life-saving treatments, while hospice ends life-saving treatments.?
Palliative care during cancer treatment can help you deal with the painful or uncomfortable effects of cancer and the uncomfortable or painful side effects of the cancer treatment. It helps to relieve symptoms such as pain and stress.?
Care in the Comfort of Your Own Home
If you are looking for healthcare in the comfort of your own home, such as palliative care, All American is here to assist you and your loved ones! Our certified care professionals are dedicated to providing the highest quality in-home health and personal care services for the patients in our community. To learn more about our customizable services, contact us today!