Symptoms and additional information about advanced ovarian cancer
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Ovarian cancer is a type of gynecological cancer that starts in the ovaries. It's often difficult to detect in its early stages due to subtle symptoms, but if left untreated, it can spread to other organs, particularly the liver and distant lymph nodes.
In early stages, ovarian cancer may cause symptoms such as persistent abdominal bloating or swelling, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly or difficulty eating, frequent or urgent urination, changes in bowel habits, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, and less commonly, unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause. These symptoms can resemble other benign conditions, which often delays detection.
However, when ovarian cancer progresses and metastasizes, it can cause more noticeable symptoms. For instance, a person may experience abdominal swelling, appetite changes, weight changes, and swollen lymph nodes in the groin area due to ovarian cancer metastasis to the liver or lymph nodes.
Doctors diagnose ovarian cancer according to the stage and the type of cells in the primary tumor. A biopsy will show what grade the cancer is. About 80% of ovarian cancers are a type of cancer known as epithelial ovarian carcinomas, which can be high or low grade.
If metastasis is suspected, doctors may request additional tests such as a barium enema X-ray or colonoscopy, chest X-ray, MRI scans to assess the brain and spinal cord, and other tests.
The outlook for metastatic ovarian cancer depends on various factors, including how far the cancer has spread, which organs it affects, the type and grade of cancer, and individual factors such as age. Treating late-stage ovarian cancer can be challenging, especially if the cancer has spread to multiple organs.
Possible treatment options for metastatic ovarian cancer include platinum-based chemotherapy (cisplatin and carboplatin), antiangiogenic agents (bevacizumab, paclitaxel), PARP inhibitors (olaparib), and alternative therapies (metformin, photodynamic therapy). Combinations of treatments may also be used, such as a combination of carboplatin with paclitaxel, targeted therapies (bevacizumab alongside a PARP inhibitor), and metformin together with carboplatin and/or paclitaxel.
In the United States, an estimated number of people will receive a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2023. Unfortunately, most diagnoses happen at a later stage, with around 70% of diagnoses occurring when cancer has already reached a distant organ.
It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider if these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, as early detection improves the prognosis, though ovarian cancer often lacks symptoms in very early stages and can progress rapidly.
[1] American Cancer Society. (2021). Ovarian Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer.html [2] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Ovarian Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian [3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Ovarian cancer. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20354977 [4] Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (2021). Ovarian Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/ovarian-cancer
- Despite being difficult to detect in early stages, ovarian cancer, a chronic disease under the umbrella of cancer and women's health, can be managed with proper medical attention.
- Science and oncology have identified that there are different grades of epithelial ovarian carcinomas, which influence the treatment approach for ovarian cancer.
- Identifying symptoms such as persistent abdominal bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits can be crucial in the early detection of ovarian cancer, thereby improving health and wellness.
- In advanced stages, ovarian cancer can metastasize to other organs like the liver and lymph nodes, causing noticeable symptoms like abdominal swelling, appetite changes, and weight changes.
- When ovarian cancer has metastasized, treatment options may include a combination of platinum-based chemotherapy, antiangiogenic agents, PARP inhibitors, and alternative therapies, as part of a holistic health-and-wellness approach.
