Types of cancers

Ovarian Cancer

  • Overview

  • Symptoms

  • Diagnosis

  • Treatment

Overview

As the name suggests, this type of cancer affects the ovaries, the reproductive glands in women.

Early Symptoms

  • Chronic bloating or swelling of the abdomen
  • Pain the abdomen or pelvis
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Frequent and/or urgent need to urinate
  • Fatigue, indigestion, constipation or back pain
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Change in menstrual cycle or bleeding between periods

These symptoms are representative of other medical conditions apart from ovarian cancer. However, consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms to rule out cancer or get it detected an early stage.

Diagnosis

  • Family history
  • Physical examination
  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Laparoscopic biopsy
  • Analysis of fluid in the abdominal cavity
  • Blood tests to identify tumour markers

Treatment

Surgery: Doctors may remove one or both ovaries along with the uterus and the fallopian tubes according to the location and spread of the cancerous cells.

Chemotherapy: Usually, a day care procedure, a combination of chemotherapy drugs may be given through drips depending on the size, type and location of the tumour.