Ovaries are a part of the female reproduction system and they are located on both sides of the uterus. This is where the eggs are produced. Ovarian cancer may occur in different parts of the ovary.

Mostly ovarian cancer starts from the ovary’s germ, stromal or even epithelial cells. Germ cells, which have been mentioned before, are the cells which later become eggs. The stromal cells make up most of the ovary and are more like connective tissues. Lastly, the epithelial cells make up the outer layer of the ovary.

What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

While you are experiencing an early stage of the ovarian cancer, you might not encounter any symptoms at all. However, few women who do experience any symptoms complain about frequent bloating, difficult while eating and pain in abdomen pelvis.

These symptoms then suddenly have an onset in the case of ovarian cancer. If you have been experiencing these symptoms for more than two weeks then you should consider seeing a doctor.

Once the cysts inside the ovaries start to evolve, you might also have pain in your lower back, constipation, vaginal bleeding and fatigue.

How can Ovarian Cancer be Diagnosed?

In order to diagnose the ovarian cancer, the doctor will first check your medical history and then start off by taking different medical exams. Physical exam may include a pelvic and rectal examination. A few blood tests may also be required during this process.

Laparoscopy

This helps the doctor examine the abdominal organs in order to see whether the cancer has spread or not.

Urinalysis

This test will look for signs of infection in blood and urine.

Biopsy

It is the basic step to determine whether the cancer is present or not in the first place.

PET Scan

Several cancers which are hard to see can be seen through PET scan.

Ultrasound

This helps in looking for changes in the ovaries and all other organs which might have been affected by cancer.

MRI

This is to review the abdomen and pelvis.

Barium Enema

This test looks for a tumour which might have spread out in colon or the rectum.

Chest X Ray

This helps in detecting tumours inside the lungs.

How can Ovarian Cancer be Treated?

The treatment of the Ovarian Cancer mostly depends upon the type and stage of the cancer and age of the patient. First of all the diagnosis are confirmed, then the stage of the cancer is determined and later the cancer is removed.

Chemotherapy

Once the surgery is performed and the cancer is removed, it is followed by chemotherapy. There are several side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea, hair loss, vomiting, fatigue and sleeping disorders.