Epithelial Cancer article:
The reproductive organ found in women is known as ovary. They are located in the pelvis. The size of one ovary can be equated with the size of an almond. Female hormones, estrogen and progesterone are made by the ovaries. Ovaries also release eggs. Ovaries do not release eggs and produce very low levels of hormones when a woman is undergoing menopause.
Ovarian cancer is a form of cancer in which cancerous cells develop in different parts of the ovary. Ovarian cancer refers to a group of different tumors which develop in diverse types of tissues present in the ovary. Ovarian cancer has been reported as the seventh most common cancer in women. Most women are suffering from epithelial cancer in which cancer cells affect the outer surface of the ovary.
The chances of recovery and survival are more if the cancer is diagnosed in its early stages. But it is very difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer in its early stages. This is because most symptoms of ovarian cancer are non specific and can be confused with symptoms of other digestive disorders. A woman suffering from ovarian cancer will first be detected with some other medical condition until the symptoms worsen and she finally realizes she has ovarian cancer. Symptoms of digestive disorders come and go but symptoms of ovarian cancer are consistent and worsen over time. Severe symptoms reported in the advanced stage include:
The treatment of ovarian cancer is decided keeping in mind the stage ovarian cancer is at. There are four different stages which indicate the extent to which the cancer cells have spread. Treatment typically includes surgery followed by treatment with anti-cancer drugs called chemotherapy.
For the surgery, the surgeon will make a long cut in the abdomen. This surgery is called laparotomy. During this procedure, the surgeon may decide to remove:
The surgeon will use different procedures and try to remove as many cancer cells as possible from the body. This process is termed as ‘debulking’. Women who have been able to diagnose the cancer in Stage 1 can discuss with the surgeon the extent of surgery they wish to take. Some women may want to get pregnant in future and thus will opt for getting only one ovary removed.
The procedure for recovery after the surgery may take between three to five weeks. There will be pain and discomfort for a few days. This pain could be reduced by medicines. Your doctor will be able to prescribe medicines which will help you to reduce pain. You may have to spend 5 to 10 days in the hospital before you can resume to normal day to day activities.
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