Ovarian Cancer

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General information

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the ovaries. The ovaries are the female reproductive organs in which eggs are formed and female hormones are produced. Ovarian cancer arises either from a thin layer of cells on the surface of the ovary, or from the epithelium of the fallopian tubes, a form called epithelial ovarian cancer, which is also the most common type of ovarian cancer, or from other tissues in the ovary (non-epithelial ovarian cancer). Both terms refer to a diverse group of different subtypes of ovarian cancer.
Several major factors contribute to the development of ovarian cancer. These are age - the disease is uncommon in women under 40, with half of cases occurring in women over the age of 60. Secondly obesity - women with a body mass index of 30 or more are more susceptible to the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Also factors such as late pregnancy, no pregnancy, early first menstruation (before age 12) and onset of menopause after age 51 increase the likelihood of the disease. Hormone therapy after menopause - use of estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone after menopause is associated with increased risk. Mutations in the BRCA genes - the presence of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increases the risk of ovarian cancer, with a mutation in BRCA1 increasing the risk by up to about 40%, while a BRCA2 mutation results in a 10-20% increase in risk.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often non-specific and may include abdominal pain, bloating or a feeling of fullness, frequent urges to urinate, digestive changes such as constipation or diarrhea, and weight loss. Because clear signs are often absent in the early stages, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the stage of the disease and may include surgery to remove the affected ovaries, fallopian tubes and even the uterus. Chemotherapy is also administered to destroy cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Ovarian cancer usually affects older people, although it can happen at any age. It usually starts as small clusters of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps are usually not cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancer over time.
In addition, targeted therapy and hormone therapy can be used to fight specific types of tumors, especially those that produce certain proteins or hormones. Immunotherapy is also gaining popularity as a method of stimulating the body's immune system to attack cancer cells.
Regular medical examinations and follow-up after treatment are critical for early detection of possible relapses and evaluation of the effectiveness of therapies.

  • Latest data
  • About ovarian cancer diagnosis
  • NSCLC и SCLC
  • Symptoms of ovarian cancer
  • Causes of ovarian cancer
  • Ovarian cancer types
  • Ovarian cancer prevention
  • Ovarian cancer diagnosis
  • Staging of ovarian cancer
  • Ovarian cancer treatment
  • Therapies for Ovarian cancer
  • Fertility preservation
  • Aftercare
  • Tracking
  • TELK/NELK

Diagnosis “ovarian cancer”

Ovarian cancer is a serious malignancy that develops in a woman's ovaries. It is one of the deadliest cancers of the female reproductive organs as it is often diagnosed in the later stages due to non-specific symptoms at the beginning. The disease can affect one or both ovaries.

Ovarian Caner types

There are several main types of ovarian cancer, the most common being epithelial cancer, which originates in the outer layers of the ovary, and germ cell cancer, which starts in the cells that produce eggs. Less common types include borderline tumors, which are benign and can be removed by surgery.

Ovarian Cancer sympthoms

Ovarian cancer often shows no clear symptoms in its early stages. Some of the symptoms may include bloating or abdominal pain, a constant feeling of fullness, changes in digestive habits such as constipation or frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss or fatigue.

Ovarian cancer diagnosis

Diagnosis of ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of physical examinations, ultrasound, blood tests for markers such as CA-125 and, if necessary, laparoscopy to take tissue samples for biopsy. Computed tomography may also be used to assess the spread of disease.

Treatment options

Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the stage of the disease and may include surgery to remove the affected organs, chemotherapy to destroy the remaining cancer cells, and in some cases radiation therapy. Treatment is often combined, involving several methods

Post-treatment follow-up

After completing treatment, ovarian cancer patients undergo regular checkups that include physical exams, colonoscopies and imaging tests to monitor for possible recurrences of the disease. Follow-up is important for early detection of new changes and to maintain patient health.

Latest data on ovarian cancer.

After completion of active treatment, regular follow-up is essential for early detection of possible relapse. This includes regular medical check-ups, blood tests for tumour markers and imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans.

Latest prevalence and mortality data

Statistics show that ovarian cancer is less common than other cancers but has a high mortality rate due to its late diagnosis. Globally, efforts to raise awareness and improve screening methods are key to reducing mortality from this type of cancer. Ovarian cancer ranks 7th among all malignancies, with approximately 300 000 women worldwide and nearly 850 in Bulgaria annually facing an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Statistics show that Europe is among the regions with the highest number of new cases of the disease and a 10% increase in cases is expected by 2040.

Check the detailed Ovarian Cancer Guide
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Questions to ask your medical professional

  • What type and stage of ovarian cancer do I have? What does this mean?
  • Is there enough information to recommend a treatment plan for me? If not, what tests or procedures will be needed?
  • How can I prepare for each test or procedure?
  • Where should I go to have these tests done?
  • When will I get the results? How will I receive the results (by phone, email, at my next visit or other) ?
  • Who's going to explain these results to me?
  • Should I get a second opinion? Can you give me names of doctors I can go to?
  • If I get a second opinion, will I have to repeat any tests or procedures?
  • What is the prognosis for my treatment?
  • If I am worried about the cost of treatment, who can help me in this area?
  • Which institution should I contact to learn about my rights as a cancer patient?