Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer. On the territory of Russia, this disease occurs in 77 women per 100 thousand. The age at which ovarian cancer most often occurs, the symptoms appear more actively, on average, is 60 years. Most often, this problem worries women who live in developed countries. Perhaps this is due to the way of life in modern large cities.
Physical and chemical factors, harmful living conditions - all this contributes to an increased risk of developing cancer. But it is worth noting that no carcinogenic substances that would cause ovarian cancer have been observed.
It is very common to hear from medical professionals that with a disease such as ovarian cancer, symptoms practically do not appear for the time being. Therefore, he is considered a "silent killer". The pathological process becomes noticeable only when it goes beyond the affected ovary.
Causes of ovarian cancer
The causes of this disease are poorly understood. To risk factorsinclude: a family history of the condition, no pregnancy, and uterine or breast cancer.
Ovarian cancer. Symptoms
It is worth noting that ovarian cancer may not cause symptoms. The disease will be asymptomatic until the most advanced stages. That is why, most of the patients go to the doctor only when the ovarian cancer reaches stage III or IV, because it is then that the patient's cachexia manifests itself, the processes of urination and defecation are disturbed. In general, it is worth saying that in the early stages, ovarian cancer can cause symptoms, but they will be almost indistinguishable from a benign neoplasm in this area. The first thing the patient will complain about is pain in the lumbar region and the abdomen, its swelling, ascites.
Diagnosis of disease
If a patient is suspected of having ovarian cancer, the first tests they will be sent for are rectovaginal and vaginal. In the event that a formation is detected during palpation by a gynecologist, then the patient will be referred for a pelvic ultrasound, which is the most informative non-invasive study for diagnosing ovarian cancer. This is due to the fact that after the ultrasound, you can get information about the nature of the process.
In addition, patients who are suspected of having a malignant neoplasm in the ovarian region are prescribed x-ray examinations of the intestines and stomach, as well as the mammary gland. This is necessary in order to determine whethertumor metastases.
Despite the fact that medicine does not stand still, and there are more and more research methods, the method of studying a biopsy taken directly from the ovary has been and remains the most correct. It is this study that will give us complete information about the nature of the tumor process, and, therefore, will help to choose the right treatment tactics.
The most important thing is to see a doctor as soon as possible when the first symptoms of this disease appear. It is he who will be able to accurately determine the nature of the neoplasm, if any. And timely medical intervention is a guarantee that the chances of successful treatment will increase by an order of magnitude.
