Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Indian women. Find out the types of ovarian cancers, signs and symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.
The teal ribbon is a symbol for the fight against ovarian cancer
What is Ovarian Cancer?
The ovaries are a pair of organs located on both sides of the uterus within the pelvis of a woman. The ovaries are fertility organs that produce eggs for pregnancy as well as the sex hormones that cause secondary sexual characteristics of the female and make pregnancy possible.
Ovarian cancer has emerged as one of the most common malignancies affecting women in India. In an Indian study carried out from 2001 to 2006, the age-standardised incidence rates (ASR) for ovarian cancer varied from 0.9 to 8.4 per 100,000 persons, with the highest incidence noted in Pune and Delhi. The study also revealed that ovarian cancer incidence increases from 35 years of age and reaches a peak between the ages 55-64.
Types of ovarian cancers
There are mainly three major types of ovarian cancers that are recognised by the nature of the ovarian cells involved:
- The most common type (comprising approximately 90% of all ovarian cancers) is the epithelial ovarian cancer and this usually occurs in adult woman.
- Germ cell cancer affects the egg producing cells within the ovary. This is a rare type of ovarian cancer and occurs in teens and younger females.
- The third type of ovarian cancer is stromal ovarian cancer, a sign of which is excess female hormone production.
Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are unfortunately seen too late and by then, the disease is usually at an advanced stage. Symptoms include:
- Abdominal fullness/ swelling
- Gastric problems such as indigestion, changes in bowel movements
- Unexplained bleeding from the vaginal tract
- Vaginal infection, leading to discharge
- Urinary or pelvic problems such as pain, discomfort
- Painful intercourse and back pain
Causes of ovarian cancer
As with most cancers, science has not been able to determine the causes of ovarian cancer. However, some women do have certain risk factors that causes them to have a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer:
- Age over 55 years
- Family history of ovarian cancer
- Long time use of infertility drugs
- Repeated use of clomiphene citrate (used to stimulate release of hormones needed to cause ovulation) with no subsequent pregnancy
- A diet high in animal fats
- Older women who have never been pregnant
Diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Upon suspicion of ovarian cancer, investigations can be started via CT scans and /or MRI of the abdomen and pelvis.
Additionally tumour markers such as cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) may be used for early detection and pre-operative evaluation, monitoring treatment and diagnosing relapses.
A biopsy may also be conducted to check for cancer cells.
Treatment options for ovarian cancers
Treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, along with follow-up testing. Surgery will involve extensive removal of tumour bearing tissues and organs and lymph node dissections. Chemotherapy is given following surgery. Nearly all cancers require a combination of surgery and chemotherapy as treatment.
