Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is a rare disease. It mainly affects older women, but can also affect young girls. Due to the difficult availability of ovaries for further examination and the fact that initially ovarian cancer usually does not give symptoms, over 70% of women in whom we detect this disease have an advanced stage of the disease. Due to the complexity of diagnosing and treating cancer, it is advised that a gynecologic-oncologist (gynecologist with special additional education in the field of gynecological oncology) deal with this disease.
For an examination and consultation, make an appointment at our gynecological clinic. An online consultation is also available.
What is ovarian cancer?
– When a normal ovarian cell changes into an abnormal one and starts to multiply without control, ovarian cancer occurs. It most often occurs in women between the ages of 50 and 65.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
– In the early stages of growth, ovarian cancer usually does not give symptoms. Symptoms of later stages are increased abdominal volume, a feeling of bloating and sometimes abdominal pain, frequent urination, problems with bowel movements. These symptoms can be caused by some other diseases, but if you notice them, contact us for an examination or online consultation.
Is there a test to detect ovarian cancer?
– Yes, there are tests to detect the ovaries, but there is no screening test. If your gynecologist suspects that you have ovarian cancer, they will ask for some of the following tests:
- Ultrasound, CT, MR examinations (imaging examinations)
- Blood tests – Tumor markers such as CA 125, CA 19-9, CEA, CA 15-3, inhibin B, AFP, LDH, etc.
- Surgery – the only way to know for sure if a woman has ovarian cancer.
What is cancer staging?
– Determining how far the cancer has spread.
How is ovarian cancer treated?
– For most women, cancer removal surgery is the first part of treatment. Further treatment will depend mainly on the stage of the cancer and other medical problems of the woman. Some women will not need further treatment, while some will need chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a medical term for drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
What happens after treatment?
– Treatment is followed by monitoring. You will come for check-ups at certain time intervals in order to check if the cancer is coming back. Tests usually include blood tests and imaging tests.
What is the prognosis of ovarian cancer?
– The prognosis depends on the stage of the disease. There are 4 stages of ovarian cancer. Once we determine the stage of the disease, it does not change. The stage helps us to determine the therapy, but also to predict the prognosis of the disease. There are other factors that affect the prognosis.
What happens if the cancer comes back or spreads?
– If the cancer comes back or spreads, it is possible that you will have more surgeries or chemotherapy. It is also possible that you will use a drug called targeted therapy, which can prevent the growth of cancer.
Can ovarian cancer be prevented?
– If ovarian, breast, uterine or colon cancer occurs in your family, consult your doctor. There are tests to detect heredity of cancer and targeted measures that you could do if the heredity is confirmed, so that you do not get cancer.
Is it possible to have sexual intercourse after the treatment?
– Yes. Removal of the uterus does not remove the vagina and the woman can have normal sexual life.
