Let’s Break Down Ovarian Cancer: Signs, Medications, And Treatment Paths

Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries. It’s often called a "silent killer" because the symptoms are vague, making it hard to catch early.  But if you know the risks, signs, and treatments, you can catch it sooner—and that can make a big difference. 

This guide breaks down the basics, whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or just looking to learn more.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer begins with DNA changes in ovarian cells, causing uncontrolled growth and tumor formation. These cells can invade nearby organs like the uterus or bladder, spread via abdominal fluid, or travel through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to distant organs. Early symptoms are often absent, making detection difficult until the cancer has advanced.

Main Types of Ovarian Cancer

• Epithelial Tumors: The most common type, making up 90% of cases, starts on the ovary’s outer layer. Two main forms are serous and mucinous carcinoma.

• Germ Cell Tumors: Less common, these start in the egg-producing cells and are more likely in younger women.

• Stromal Tumors: These begin in hormone-producing cells and may cause early symptoms like abnormal bleeding or hormone changes, making them easier to catch early.

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

Certain factors raise your risk of ovarian cancer. Though having them doesn’t mean you’ll get the disease, it’s still important to be aware.

• Age: Risk rises with age, especially post-menopause, often in the late 50s or 60s.

• Family History: A family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer boosts risk due to gene mutations.

• Reproductive History: No pregnancies or late childbirth increases risk, as do early periods or late menopause.

• Hormone Therapy: Long-term estrogen-only therapy after menopause raises risk.

• Genetics: BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations significantly increase ovarian and breast cancer risk.

• Endometriosis: Increases risk due to abnormal tissue growth.

• Lifestyle: Smoking, obesity, and inactivity elevate risk; healthier choices help reduce it.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle and are easy to overlook. But if you have them and they don’t go away, it’s important to get checked out. Some common signs include:

• Bloating: A feeling of being bloated or swelling in your abdomen that won’t go away.

• Pelvic or Abdominal Pain: Discomfort or pain in your lower belly or pelvic area.

• Eating Problems: Feeling full quickly, even after eating only a small amount.

• Increased Need to Urinate: Needing to pee more often or feeling like you need to go urgently.

• Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea or constipation that lasts.

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or run-down.

• Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying or changing your diet.

If these symptoms stick around for more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor.

How Ovarian Cancer Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing ovarian cancer usually involves a few different tests to confirm whether cancer is present and to figure out its stage.

• Pelvic Exam: This is often the first step. Your doctor checks for any lumps or changes in your ovaries or nearby organs.

• Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS): A test that uses sound waves to create a picture of your ovaries. It helps identify any growths or changes.

• CA-125 Blood Test: This blood test checks for a protein called CA-125, which can be elevated in ovarian cancer. But high levels of CA-125 can also be caused by other conditions.

• CT or MRI Scans: These imaging tests give a more detailed view of any tumors or abnormalities.

• Biopsy: This involves taking a small tissue sample from a suspected tumor to see if it’s cancerous.

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

Once ovarian cancer is diagnosed, it’s important to know how far it has spread. That’s what staging does—it guides your treatment options.

• Stage I: Cancer is only in the ovaries.

• Stage II: Cancer has spread to nearby organs like the uterus or fallopian tubes.

• Stage III: Cancer has spread beyond the pelvis, possibly to the abdomen or lymph nodes.

• Stage IV: The most advanced stage. Cancer has spread to distant organs like the liver or lungs.

Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer treatment varies by type and stage, primarily involving surgery and medications.

• Surgery: In early stages, the affected ovary may be removed. In advanced cases, both ovaries, the uterus, and surrounding tissues are taken out.

• Chemotherapy: Post-surgery, chemotherapy targets remaining cancer cells using drugs like Cisplatin, Carboplatin, and Paclitaxel.

• Targeted Therapy: This therapy focuses on specific cancer cell changes. PARP inhibitors (Rucaparib, Olaparib) prevent repair in cancer cells, while Bevacizumab cuts off the tumor's blood supply.

• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy boosts the immune system to help it attack cancer cells, with Pembrolizumab enhancing this recognition.

Common Medications for Ovarian Cancer

These are some common medications used for treatment. Keep in mind, these are not your only options. Your doctor might prescribe you something entirely different, based on interactions with any health conditions you have.

• Cisplatin and Carboplatin: These chemotherapy drugs damage cancer cell DNA, stopping their growth.

• Rucaparib and Olaparib: These are targeted therapies that prevent cancer cells from repairing themselves.

• Bevacizumab: This medication cuts off the tumor’s blood supply.

• Pembrolizumab: Pembrolizumab helps your immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.

Reducing the Risk of Ovarian Cancer

You can’t prevent ovarian cancer entirely, but certain steps lower your risk.

• Birth Control Pills: Taking birth control for five or more years cuts your risk by up to 50%.

• Genetic Testing: If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, get tested for BRCA mutations. If positive, preventive surgery may be an option.

• Preventive Surgery: High-risk women may opt to remove their ovaries (Oophorectomy) and fallopian tubes to reduce the chances of cancer.

• Healthy Living: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking lower your overall cancer risk.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is serious. It’s important to know the risks and symptoms. Finding it early improves your chances. If you or a loved one has it, work with your doctor to find the best treatment. Acting early gives you the best chance to manage it well.