According to the Cancer Research UK website, ovarian cancer is “the fifth most common cancer in females in the UK and the second most common gynaecological cancer after uterus.” Early diagnosis is the key to a high chance of survival, but Cancer Research UK do state that survival rates of this disease have been slowly increasing since the 1970s.
The ovaries are almond-shaped, and situated in the pelvis, to the right and left of the uterus. An egg travels from either ovary to the uterus through the fallopian tube during ovulation. The ovaries also make the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. During menopause, their production of these hormones slows significantly, and they stop producing eggs.
Benign Tumours and Ovarian Cysts
A benign tumour is a non-malignant growth or mass, which in most cases does not spread to surrounding cells or invade surrounding tissue. After being removed, it is not likely to grow back. An ovarian cyst is a sac positioned inside or on the surface of the ovary, usually filled with fluid, or sometimes solid tissue too. According to Medicinenet.com, benign tumours are usually surgically removed, and ovarian cysts often go away by themselves. Both can produce symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort, but are rarely life-threatening.
Malignant Ovarian Tumours
The cells are the structures that make up the body’s tissues and organs. Cells are live organisms in a constant process of regeneration, growth and death, to maintain and repair the body’s functioning. Old ones die and are replaced with new ones, which grow and divide continuously. Tumours develop when the order of this process breaks down: “new cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should” (Medicinenet.com).
The tumour then becomes a parasite, using the blood supply to the surrounding area to create its own vasculature, and depleting the body’s nutrient supplies.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect in the early stages, because they are so similar to feelings of digestive discomfort or discomfort at various stages throughout the menstrual cycle. Stage one symptoms include abdominal pain or pain in the side, and/or feeling bloated.
According to Cancer Research UK, symptoms of more advanced ovarian cancer can be caused by the tumour growing in the pelvic region: “this can cause irregular periods, lower tummy (abdominal) pain, back pain, passing urine more often than usual, constipation, pain during sex, or a swollen abdomen.”
Symptoms of more advanced cancer may present as more general malaise, as the whole body begins to be affected, and may include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, obvious swelling of the abdomen, frequency of passing urine, pain during sex, and digestive symptoms such as nausea, indigestion and constipation (Medicinenet.com).
Some of these symptoms are vague, and could be attributed to other ailments in the body. If they are frequent and persistent, it is important to see a doctor and have them investigated.
How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
A series of tests and examinations are carried out in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. A pelvic exam and blood tests are usually carried out in a GP’s office. The doctor palpates around the pelvic area to check for lumps and abnormal swellings. Blood tests detect a range of abnormalities, with the most specific being the CA-125, which, according to Medicinenet.com, is “a substance found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells and on some normal tissues.”
An ultrasound bounces sound waves off the internal organs, showing irregularities in mass or density of internal tissue.
A laparotomy is a surgical procedure in which the pelvic area is opened to physically remove tissue and fluid from the area of discomfort. A biopsy is taken from this tissue or fluid and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. If cancerous cells are found, they are graded I, II or III, according to how abnormal they look in comparison with healthy cells. This grading decides the course of treatment for the cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Survival and Recovery
According to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, fatigue is an inevitable experience of cancer treatment, but it is important to remember that it will gradually pass when the treatments come to an end. It is important to get plenty of rest, possibly with short naps during the day (as long as they do not disturb your night-time sleeping pattern).
Gentle activity such as walking and yoga will help to keep the body energised, mobile and strong. If indoor activities are preferred, using an electronic exercise game such as a Wii Fit can be a fun and entertaining way to remain active. The cancer care team will advise on a level of exercise that is suitable for the patient’s stage of illness. It is important not to do too much, but doing too little will also add to the feeling of fatigue.
Diet is crucial to maintaining optimal health. Wash all “live” foods such meat, fruit and vegetables to rid them of bacteria. A diet rich in organic fruit and vegetables will provide a range of vitamins and minerals needed to bolster the immune system. Natural-Cancer-Cures.com explains that sea vegetables are rich in nutrients that tend to be depleted from over-farmed soil, making them a highly valuable addition to a recovery-supporting diet.
Sources:
cancerresearchuk.org “Ovarian Cancer Statistics - Key Facts” (Accessed 19th June, 2010)
medicinenet.com “Ovarian Cancer” (Accessed June 19th, 2010)
christie.nhs.uk “A Guide for Exercising During and After Treatment for Cancer” (Accessed 19th June, 2010)
natural-cancer-cures.com “Sea Vegetables - Many Health Benefits …” (Accessed 19th June, 2010)
Nicole O'Driscoll - Nicole has a Ph.D in English Literature (written on incarceration in Samuel Beckett's Trilogy). She has also been employed as a general ...
Join the Conversation