Although ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, it often goes unnoticed until it reaches stage 3 or 4, when treatment becomes very difficult. Regular gynecological checkups for early detection of abnormalities, along with better awareness of women’s reproductive health, can help prevent this devastating diagnosis.

VenArt Clinic specializes in gynecological surgery and gynecological oncology. Thanks to our highly experienced doctors and innovative medical techniques, we provide surgical care of the highest quality, with exceptional long-term results in treating gynecological conditions. For more details, visit the gynecological oncology section of our clinic.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that develops in one or both ovaries. It results from abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably and have the ability to invade other parts of the body.

What Are the Early Signs and How Can We Detect Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer often begins with symptoms, but these are usually vague and easily overlooked. Because of this, only 20% of cases are detected at an early stage. Screening tests are performed to detect cancer before symptoms appear.

Early signs of ovarian cancer include:

  • Bloating
  • Abdominal pressure or pain
  • Difficulty eating or inability to eat
  • Feeling full quickly
  • Increased frequency of urination
  • Stronger urge to urinate

What Other Symptoms May Indicate Ovarian Cancer?

  • Fatigue
  • Indigestion
  • Reflux or heartburn
  • Constipation
  • Back pain
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Dermatomyositis (a rare inflammatory disease that can cause skin rashes, muscle weakness, and inflamed muscles)

Most of these symptoms are common and may occur for many reasons. Many women experience some of them at various times without having ovarian cancer. In addition, these symptoms are often temporary and respond to simple treatments in most cases.

If symptoms persist, become more severe, or do not respond to treatment, it is important to consider the possibility of cancer. Symptoms usually worsen as the tumor grows. At this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries, making treatment much more difficult.

Although there is no specific screening test, several methods can help assess the risk of ovarian cancer and detect it early, when treatment is more effective.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Ovarian Cancer?

The treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the stage of the disease and how far it has spread. A team of doctors will develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs. This plan will usually include two or more of the following:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Surgery
  • Targeted therapy
  • Hormone therapy

The primary method of treatment is surgery. The goal is to remove the tumor, but often a hysterectomy is necessary, involving complete removal of the uterus. In certain stages, removal of both ovaries, fallopian tubes, nearby lymph nodes, and other pelvic tissue is also recommended.

Targeted therapies, such as chemotherapy, aim to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

Depending on the characteristics of ovarian cancer, the survival rate for stage 4 varies between 17% for invasive epithelial tumors and 69% for germ cell cancers. This is why annual gynecological exams are essential, especially if suggestive symptoms are present, to rule out ovarian cancer.

A Pap test performed every year does not prevent ovarian tumors, as it only detects abnormalities in cervical cells.

How Can the Stage of Ovarian Cancer Be Determined?

Stage 1

Stage 1 ovarian cancer has three substages:

  • The cancer is limited to one ovary.
  • The cancer is in both ovaries.
  • Cancer cells are also found outside the ovary.

Stage 2

In stage 2, the tumor has spread to other pelvic structures. It has two substages:

  • The ovarian cancer has spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes.
  • The ovarian cancer has spread to the bladder or rectum.

Stage 3

Stage 3 ovarian cancer has three substages:

  • The cancer has spread microscopically beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen and lymph nodes in the abdomen.
  • Cancer cells have spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen and are visible to the naked eye, but measure less than 2 cm.
  • Cancer deposits of at least 3–4 cm are seen on the abdomen or outside the spleen or liver, but not inside these organs.

Stage 4

In stage 4, the tumor has metastasized beyond the pelvis, abdomen, and lymph nodes to the liver or lungs. There are two substages:

  • Stage 4A: Cancer cells are present in the fluid surrounding the lungs.
  • Stage 4B: The most advanced stage, where cancer cells have spread to the spleen, liver, or distant organs such as the skin or brain.

The risk of developing ovarian cancer has a significant genetic component. Testing for the CA 125 tumor marker may be recommended if ovarian cancer is suspected. Symptoms, even if they appear minor, should always be reported to your doctor. They can be investigated with one or more of the following tests:

  • Pelvic exam to check for abnormalities in the pelvic organs
  • Transvaginal ultrasound to examine reproductive organs, including the ovaries (this test cannot determine if a tumor is cancerous)
  • Abdominal CT scan
  • Biopsy, usually performed after imaging, to determine whether an ovarian mass is cancerous or benign. If benign, it is typically an ovarian cyst, which is usually not dangerous.

Schedule your personalized consultation with our specialists today and take the first step toward your recovery and confidence.