Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer represents 20% of all female genital cancers. It usually occurs after the age of 50. It is difficult to detect in its early stages. That is why it is one of the most dangerous types of cancer.
Symptoms that patients experience may be:
Predisposing factors
Contrary to popular belief, the use of ovarian stimulant drugs (gonadotropins) in previous IVF treatments is not an aggravating factor in the development of this type of cancer.
It goes without saying that if a woman is suffering from cancer, she does not make an IVF attempt by taking medication. If it is necessary, she does it during a natural cycle.
The opposite is true of clomiphene citrate, which women have received in pill form for many years. There is evidence that they should give this drug occasionally (usually for 6 months) and not longer.
How prevention and diagnosis are done
There are no preventative measures for ovarian cancer such as the Pap test for cervical cancer. Practically, as with all other forms of cancer, survival has to do with early diagnosis and treatment.
The wisest thing to do is to perform the necessary annual examination with ultrasound and gynecological examination at her gynecologist. She will also report any of the above symptoms that concern her. The gynecologist will evaluate the symptoms. In addition to the standard check-up, he may request further examination for the problem.
Transvaginal ultrasound is currently the most reliable way to diagnose a gynecological problem early. If the gynecologists finds a suspicious ovarian cyst or other tumor, then the cancer markers are further determined (CA-125 etc).
Cancer markers
Unfortunately, cancer markers do not have the sensitivity we would like and are a reliable tool only for the diagnosis of the problem and not for the prognosis.
In addition, screening for ovarian cancer may include:
How doctors treat it.
Doctors treat ovarian cancer mainly with surgery. It is usually followed by chemotherapy and radiation of various forms.
However radiation seems to play a very limited role in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
In surgery, we almost always remove the uterus and both ovaries.
Follow-up after treatment
As with all cancers, postoperative follow-up is common. Visits to the gynecologist should be as the following:
The examination definitely includes clinical examination and ultrasound. It also includes cancer markers and CT scan at regular basis.
We understand that both chemotherapy and radiation are prescribed in collaboration with specialist oncologists and radiotherapists.