Ovarian Cancer
Risk Factors
Ovarian cancer is the 7th most common cancer found in women below breast cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, endometrium carcinoma, and stomach cancer. In Thailand alone there were 2,600 cases as of 2013, with half of patients with ovarian cancer dying annually. Ovarian cancer may occur at all ages, however it is most common in individuals aged 40-60.
Causes
It is unclear what causes ovarian cancer however; approximately 10 percent can be attributed to genetics.
Symptoms
Lumps, stomach enlargement, indigestion, chronic abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and drastic weight loss.
Diagnosis
Health check-up, pap smear, ultrasound, CT scan, and blood tests.
Treatment
Treatment includes:
- Surgery and endoscopy Main treatment involves surgical oncology such as surgery of cervix, ovaries, fat in the abdomen, and surgery of lymph nodes in abdomen
- Radiotherapy – certain ovarian cancers are treatable by radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy- Chemotherapy has proven effective in treatment of ovarian cancer, may be used in combination with surgical treatment. The goal of treatment is to cure ovarian cancer, preventing spread, palliative care, and reducing risk of recurrence.
Prevention
Get a full health check-up at least once a year. Includes pap smear and other tests.
Excellence Center
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Author
Dr. Nuchanan Areethamsirikul
Gynecologic oncologist