Ovarian Cancer- The What, Why and How?

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Females have two ovaries situated in the pelvis, which are the primary production sites of female gametes known as ova/eggs. The ovaries have the germinal lining, which gives rise to ovarian follicles containing the gametes. Besides, they have a cellular stroma /connective tissue which fills the substance of the ovary.

Ovarian cancer refers to the malignant transformation of cells, resulting in unrestrained proliferation and tumor formation. When detected early, it is possible to have a good prognosis with a better quality of life. If detected in its late stages, for example, it is difficult to treat when it has spread to the abdominal cavity or the adjacent pelvic organs.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of ovarian cancer overlap with many other benign conditions, and thus, it is difficult to attribute them to ovarian cancer. They arise in the late stages of cancer where the uterus, bladder, or rectum is affected. They are common to premenstrual syndrome, irritable bowel disease, etc. and include:

Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Fatigue and Exhaustion
Breathlessness
A quick feeling of satiety on eating
Lower back pain
Abdominal cramping and bloating
Nausea and vomiting

The persistence of these symptoms, despite taking basic treatment, should raise a red flag and warrant medical attention.

Read about: How does Endometriosis affect a woman’s life?

Ovarian Cancer: Causes and Risk Factors

Post-menopausal women, generally during 50-60 years
Genetic Composition
Family History
Early-onset of menarche
Late menopause or cessation of menstruation
Not having children at all
Employing hormone replacement therapy post-menopause
Women with a BMI of over 30

The diagnostic tests include:

Ovarian Cancer: Treatment

Treatment depends on multiple factors:

Tumor characteristics: Size, Spread, Invasion, etc
Patient Factors: Age, Immune and functional status
Economic factors: Cost of therapy and affordability.

They include:

Surgical excision
Concurrent chemotherapy
Targeted Therapy
Radiation
Immunotherapy

Check here: Top 38 Accredited Cancer Hospitals from India

(Know more about Best Oncologists/Oncosurgeons in India.)

Prevention and Consultation

There are no screening methods that have currently emerged, specifically detecting ovarian cancer in its early stages.

A healthy diet and weight control are primary preventive measures.

If the symptoms persist for 2 or more weeks despite basic treatment, do not hesitate to visit your physician. Cancer mortality is continuously decreasing worldwide, and ovarian cancers generally have a good prognosis.

Early detection and prompt treatment remain therapeutic cornerstones. Read: Cancer Hospitals and Institutes in India

Which are the hospitals to get cancer treatment in India?

Asian Institute of Oncology
S.L.Raheja Hospital, Raheja Hospital Road, Mahim, Mumbai
Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai
Jaslok hospital research Centre, Mumbai
Dharamshila Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Vasundhara Enclave, New Delhi
Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Gopinath Nagar, Guwahati
Dr. Rai Memorial Cancer Institute 562, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Rajkot Cancer Society, Mr. N.P. Cancer Institute, Raiya Road, Rajkot, Gujarat
Regional Cancer Centre, Medical College Campus, P.B.2417, Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala.
Tata Memorial Centre, Dr. Ernest Borges Marg, Parel, Mumbai
The Gujarat Cancer & Research Insitute, M.P. Shah Cancer Hospital, New Civil Hospital Compound Asarwa, Ahmedabad
Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Sector 5, Rohini, Delhi
Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Jaipur

Other reputed Cancer Hospitals and Institutes in India

Regional Centre for Cancer Research, Adyar, Chennai.
Regional Centre for Cancer Research and Treatment, Mangalabag, Cuttack – 753 007.
Rotary Cancer Centre, 117/K/11, Gutaiya, G.T.Road, Kanpur – 208 002, India
Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Sector 22, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai – 410 210
Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amalangar, Trichur.
Bose Institute
Cancer Treatment & Research Centre, Lion District 324 C-1, Seethammadhara North Extn., Visakhapatnam – 530 013 (AP).
Chittaranjan Cancer Institute, 37, S.P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026
Christian Cancer Centre, Kakinada Pithapuram Road, Kakinada – 533 003, Andhra Pradesh
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi – 110016.
Dr. Bhubaneshwar Barooah Cancer Institute, Gopinath Nagar, Guwahati – 781 016, Assam.
G.V.N. Cancer Centre, No.16, Kiledar Street, Tiruchirapalli – 620 002, Tamil Nadu.
Goa Cancer Society, GM Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Dr. E. Borges Road, Dona Paula – 403 004, Goa.
Indian Rly. Cancer Institute & Research Centre, N.E. Railway, Lahartara, Varanasi – 221 002, Uttar Pradesh.
Institute of Cytology & Preventive Oncology, I-7, Sector 39, P.O.Box No. 544, Near Degree College, Opposite City Centre, Noida – 201 301, Uttar Pradesh.
International Cancer Centre, Neyyoor, Tamilnadu – 629 802.
International Network for Cancer, Treatment, & Research Room No. 127A, Sir Gangaram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi -110 060.
J.K. Cancer Institute (C.S.V.M. Medical College), Kanpur – 208 002, Uttar Pradesh.
Jagdish Cancer & Research Centre, 3-6-20, Tirumala Apts. Skyline Lane, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad.
Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital, & Research Centre, Idgah Hills, PB No. 32 Bhopal – 462 001.
Mohan Das Oswal Cancer Treatment & Research Centre, G.T. Road, Sherpur, Ludhiana – 141 009, Punjab.

Top 20 Cancer Specialists in India

Information Center and References:

Ovarian Cancer | Wikipedia
Symptoms and Causes| Mayoclinic
What is ovarian cancer| American Cancer Society
Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors| American Cancer Society
Chances of Survival| Cancer Research UK

Ovarian Cancer- The What, Why and How?

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms