In modern practice in the field of gynecology, an annual increase in the number of patients diagnosed with ovarian cystadenocarcinoma is observed. This disease suggests the presence of a malignant tumor that develops on the surface of the epithelium. It is referred to the most common ailments among all existing epithelial formations. Cystadenocarcinoma is a secondary ovarian cancer that affects patients of different age categories.
In modern medicine, two types of such cancer are distinguished at once: serous and mucinous. Consider their features.
Serous type
Cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary serous type occurs among sixty percent of patients with malignant tumors. In most situations, such a disease is formed as a result of the transformation of benign epithelial cells of a cystic formation into an unfavorable form.
In cases with serous ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, the development of the disease occursrapidly, so it quickly forms metastases in other organs. The symptomatology of such a tumor makes itself felt when her body begins to grow to a large size. Women who feel changes in their body, but do not go to the gynecologist for a long time, often bring the matter to the last stages. With this disease, the symptoms become apparent only at a later stage and manifests itself in the form of a constant dull pain in the abdomen. Such pain is chronic and does not bother the woman much. Over time, a feeling of weakness can be added to them, there is a general exhaustion of the body.
Mucinous type and its symptoms
Consider the second type of disease. Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary in most cases is characterized by an asymptomatic course, therefore, it is detected already at a late stage, when pain occurs in the lower abdomen and ascites appears. Often, women complain of impaired bowel function, which is accompanied by constipation or indigestion, as well as a feeling of constant discomfort in this part of the body. On ultrasound, the mucinous neoplasm looks like a tumor of uneven consistency. Against the background of palpation in this case, the patient feels pain in the place where the mucinous body has formed. As part of a rectovaginal examination, doctors can feel for a tumor node.
This type of cancer is different in that small areas of decaying tumor appear in the thickness of the chambers of the cystic formation or papillary tumors form.growths on the cystic surface. The mucinous body, as a rule, consists of polymorphic elements of an atypical type, prone to the formation of papillary, glandular and lattice structures. At the last stage of this type of cancer, metastases affect the peritoneum, as well as blood and lymphatic vessels.
Papillary ovarian cystadenocarcinoma
It is classified as secondary. This suggests that it is formed on the site of a benign formation. Metastases appear against the background of the spread of cancer cells along with the bloodstream.
Endometrioid cystadenocarcinoma: developmental features
Endometrioid cystadenocarcinomas of the ovary are less cystic than serous and mucinous ones. Their size varies from two to thirty-five centimeters. Solid nodes have a variegated appearance with hemorrhages. The average age of the patients is fifty years. In the abdominal region, ascites and multiple implantation metastases can be detected, however, in general, they are less common with endometrioid cancer than with serous cancer.
Specific symptoms
Ovarian cystadenocarcinoma at a late stage is accompanied by the following specific symptoms:
- The presence of an irregular menstrual cycle, in which uterine bleeding becomes abundant or rare.
- Failure of the intestines and bladder.
- Increase in abdominal volume for no reason.
- Periodic rise in temperature, especially in the evening.
- Weight loss due to disruption of the digestive system.
- Deterioration of well-being, which can manifest itself in the form of rapid fatigue, constant fatigue, apathy, drowsiness.
- Bleeding in menopause.
Diagnostic Methods
Preliminary diagnosis of ovarian cystadenocarcinoma is to conduct a thorough gynecological examination with an overall picture. If it is found that the previously existing formation has increased in size or affected other organs, then the patient is sent for instrumental and laboratory examination. One of the main diagnostic methods is transvaginal, transrectal or classical ultrasound. At the same time, specialists can find out the type of neoplasm and how tightly it is attached to the organ. In the study, in most situations, it is possible to notice the spread of pathogenic cells in the space between the uterus and the rectum.
Sometimes ultrasound does not make it possible to make a correct diagnosis. Then a procedure called paracentesis is performed. The doctor, under local anesthesia, pierces the vagina and takes biomaterial from the abdominal cavity. The following manipulations are used as additional diagnostic methods: puncture biopsy, MRI of the peritoneum, CT scan of the peritoneum organs, as well as lymphography.
A biopsy of serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary consists in taking the material, which is the cells of the lymph nodes. The material is then examined under a microscope.
The technique of lymphography makes it possible to explore the human lymphatic system. This is very important, since cancer cells spread quite actively with lymph. A significant part of them is retained in the lymph nodes, which can also be detected using this method.
The most accurate methods to determine the size of the tumor in the ovaries, along with their consistency and precise location, are CT and MRI. In the diagnosis of cancer, laboratory blood tests are also widely used, which make it possible to identify oncological markers and determine their type.
To determine the presence of cancer cells in the ovaries at an early stage, Doppler color mapping is widely used. When diagnosing, CCD allows you to see and evaluate the state of the blood flow in the vessels of the formation. In this way, it is possible to most accurately determine the type of pathology (benign or malignant) by calculating vascularization.
Treatment
For effective treatment of cystadenocarcinoma, complex treatment is always carried out, which includes the surgical removal of affected tissues and the simultaneous administration of medications (chemotherapy). Often, with advanced stages of oncology, it is necessary to remove the organs of the reproductive system, including the uterus with appendages. If the tumor has spread to only one ovary, then its removal and drug therapy may be enough.
Metastases to other organs may requiremajor abdominal surgery. To prevent this, it is recommended to visit a doctor regularly, as well as treat absolutely all gynecological ailments in a timely manner, removing suspicious tumors with ovarian cysts.
Stages
As medical statistics show, unfortunately, women who, when the first discomfort occurs in the ovaries or other pelvic organs, consult a doctor, already have III-IV stages of cancer. The number of such patients is 74.7%. This suggests that the onset of the development of the disease passes without symptoms at all.
Consider how ovarian cancer develops. There are four stages in total. The first three have a letter gradation (A, B and C), which indicates how fast the development is.
Stages:
First.
- I A - One ovary is affected, but there is no ascites (fluid accumulation).
- I B - already affected two ovaries, but no ascites.
- I C - tumor on the ovary and ascites.
Second.
- II A - affected uterus and fallopian tubes.
- II B - pelvic tissue affected.
- II C - tumor on the ovary and ascites.
In serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary, stage 3 is divided into:
- III A suggests the presence of microscopic adverse cells outside the pelvis inside the peritoneum.
- III B implies that pathogenic cells occur outside the pelvis and are up to two centimeters in diameter.
- III C metastases are found insideperitoneum with a diameter of more than two centimeters or in regional nodes.
IV - multiple local and distant metastases.
Forecasts
Life expectancy in ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, as in a number of other oncological formations, directly depends on the stage of the disease at the time of its discovery. If the tumor was noticed and quickly eliminated at the first stage, then up to 90% of patients have a good chance of recovery (life expectancy is more than 5 years). Moreover, such patients who are of reproductive age can even conceive and carry a he althy child.
If treatment started when the disease was in the second stage of development, the percentage of survival over 5 years is from 70 to 73%.
When ovarian cancer is detected in the third stage, the survival rate is already from 40 to 59%. The most favorable prognosis for the type of cancer with the symbol A.
However, patients with cancer in the fourth degree have a chance. According to statistics, among them managed to live 5 years and more than 17%. According to doctors, the general condition of the patient, the strength of his immunity, and a positive attitude affect the outcome.
Prevention
The causes of any type of cancer, including ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, have not been precisely established. Therefore, there are no clear recommendations for preventive measures. As a measure that helps to identify the tumor at the first stage, experts recommend regular visits to the gynecologist (at least twice a year).
Because many cases of cancer are hereditary, women with a family history of the disease should not only be examined but also tested for cancer markers at least once a year.
