Ovarian Cancer in Panama
What is ovarian cancer?
Basically, ovarian cancer consists of the development of a cancerous tumor in the tissues of these structures that are part of the woman’s reproductive system.
In addition to the ovaries, this cancer affects the linked areas of the fallopian tubes and peritoneum.
Causes of ovarian cancer
Although the causes of ovarian cancer have not been determined to date, several risk factors have been added that can affect its development; among which we have:
- Overweight or obesity.
- Development of endometriosis.
- Not have had children or taken hormone replacement therapy.
- History of breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer.
- Having a genetic mutation or having Lynch syndrome.
- Family history of ovarian cancer.
- Being over 55 years old (especially after menopause).
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Discomfort, pain, and pressure in the pelvic area.
- Weight loss.
- Abdominal or back pain.
- Feeling of indigestion.
- Excessive or frequent tiredness.
- Very urgent urges to go and urinate.
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge (especially if you have gone through menopause).
- Feeling bloated.
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation, gas).
- A lump in the pelvic area.
Ovarian Cancer Diagnostic Process
As with the detection of any type of tumour, the specialist will carry out a series of studies that will allow them to confirm or rule out the suspicion of ovarian cancer.
Background
First, the anamnesis is carried out to find out the risk factors around your case. During the interview, the doctor asks a series of questions and performs a physical examination to verify the patient’s state of health.
Echography
It is the first imaging study that is performed when a disease of the ovaries or female reproductive system is suspected. Thanks to the image provided by the ultrasound, the doctor will determine the following studies.
CT scan
This test is usually ordered to find out how far the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Barium enema X-ray
This is a more specialized type of test, which is done to find out if the cancer has spread to the large intestine or rectal area.
MRI
Although this test is not used to detect ovarian cancer, it is especially useful to determine if it has spread to the brain and/or spinal cord.
Chest X-ray
On the other hand, this test is used to find out if ovarian cancer has spread to the lungs.
Because in its metastasis process this neoplasm manages to spread to these organs, an accumulation of fluid is created around the lungs that can cause a malignant pleural effusion.
Biopsy of the ovaries
It is one of the means to know for sure if there is a cancer developing. To do this, a sample of it is extracted, which is delivered for laboratory analysis.
The sample can be taken laparoscopically or with a needle that is placed directly into the tumour through the abdomen.
Treatments for Ovarian Cancer
Once the existence of ovarian cancer has been confirmed, treatment must be started. There are several alternatives and each of them is oriented to a type of cancer, its exact location and the stage in which it is at the time of detection.
Surgery
It is the main treatment for ovarian cancer, and the extent of the procedure will depend on how far the cancer has spread and the patient's overall health.
Sometimes, during the early stage of the disease, only part of the affected organs are removed. In other phases, however, it may become necessary to remove both ovaries and even the uterus.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy is the most common type of therapy for ovarian cancer.
Although it is very similar to an X-ray, these machines handle a higher intensity in the radiation emitted to attack and destroy cancer cells. This therapy is painless, lasts a few minutes and is applied 5 times a week.
Chemotherapy
This systemic treatment uses drugs that travel through the bloodstream to reach all parts of the body and progressively kill cancer cells that may remain after surgery.
In particular, chemotherapy may be given to these patients orally or intravenously.
Targeted therapy
This novel therapy uses specific drugs to fight the body's cancer cells; which are differentiable from normal and healthy cells.
Hormone therapy
It aims to fight cancer cells through hormones and drugs that block their growth. As with chemotherapy, this treatment is systemic and is often used to treat ovarian tumors of the stroma.
Importance of early detection of ovarian cancer
Early detection and initiation of treatment in patients with ovarian cancer, increases their chance of survival. In this sense, maintaining a permanent medical check-up will allow you to know the symptoms and detect them early.
Unfortunately, there is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer.
Similarly, something you should know is that the Pap test is ruled out for the detection of ovarian cancer, and should not be confused with the advantage it offers when it comes to detecting cervical cancer.
Stages of Ovarian Cancer
As with all types of cancer, survival and treatment of the disease are closely related to the stage or phase in which the patient is at the time of detection.
Stage I
In this early stage, the cancer is only evident in an ovary that houses the tumor inside it (except in cases where it is lodged in a fallopian tube, which is also found inside).
Up to this point, there is no evidence of the spread of external cancer, either in the ovary or in the fallopian tube. Similarly, there is no spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.
The survival rate at this stage is 90% in relation to 5 years.
Stage II
At this stage, cancer is seen in both ovaries and fallopian tubes. Likewise, there is spread to other organs such as the bladder, sigmoid colon, uterus and/or rectum; but it is not yet seen towards the nearby lymph nodes.
The survival rate at this stage in relation to 5 years is 65 to 55%.
Stage III
During this stage, there is evidence of an extension to both ovaries, fallopian tubes and there is already a primary peritoneal cancer, which could have spread to the organs of the pelvis. In addition, spread to retroperitoneal and para-aortic lymph nodes is already observed.
The rate that handles this stage of survival in 5 years is 47 to 30%.
Stage IV
In this terminal stage, there is evidence of greater spread of cancer cells; so that it is seen in the fluid of the lungs (malignant pleural effusion), liver, spleen, intestine and other lymph nodes outside the abdomen. It is already determined that there is a metastasis in process.
In the latter stage, a survival rate of 22 to 10% is estimated in relation to 5 years.
Types of cancer that affect the ovaries
There are several types of ovarian cancer, each with particular characteristics that we will describe below:
Epithelial ovarian cancer
This type of cancer is not as common, but it has the highest mortality rate. In turn, it is divided into two subtypes:
- Serous carcinoma
- Mucinous carcinoma.
Stromal tumors
At the same time, stromal tumors are detected earlier than other types of ovarian cancer. They belong to a rare heterogeneous group, whose origin occurs in the cells of the structural tissue that supports the ovary and produces the hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is almost always a benign type of cancer and does not spread outside the ovary.
Germ cell tumors
This disease develops malignant cells in the germ cells (eggs) inside the ovary. The main warning sign of this disease is swelling of the abdomen and vaginal bleeding after menopause.
Nursing care in patients with ovarian cancer
Having the assistance of a professional in the care area can help not only the correct compliance with treatment schemes; but also to the improvement of the patient’s emotional condition.
In fact, nurses can take care of:
- Provide emotional support.
- Administer medications and treatments.
- Help relieve discomfort and pain.
- Combat side effects and their symptoms.
- Maintain contact with the group of treating physicians.
- Assist with meals and new nutritional plan.
- Assist with daily tasks.
- Help with personal hygiene.
- Perform cleaning or change of probe if required.
- Apply some physiotherapy technique and breathing techniques.
How to prevent ovarian cancer?
First of all, it is good to know that pregnancy and childbirth lower the probability rate of contracting ovarian cancer.
However, every woman should maintain a gynecological check-up at least 2 times a year to perform pelvic or recto-vaginal exams to help detect any abnormalities.
On the other hand, some studies have determined that women who keep control of their fertility with the contraceptive pill for more than 5 years decrease the risk of contracting ovarian cancer.
Likewise, women who have a family history of ovarian cancer should ensure a more regular check-up with their doctor; and if possible, establish some plan or strategies for early detection.
Health professionals recommend that if a woman has decided not to have any more children, she should consider having an ovarian extraction as a preventive measure.
Frequently asked questions
Do you want to know more about ovarian cancer? Review the answers to the most frequent questions posed by our patients.
At what stage does ovarian cancer become terminal?
During stage IV, because at this stage the cancer has spread in such a way that it cannot be easily controlled.
Is ovarian cancer hereditary?
Recent studies indicate that only 25% of all registered cases of ovarian cancer are hereditary, due to the mutation of certain genes.
However, scientists are continuing their research into the likely causes of cancer and associated risk factors.
What is the most common age at which ovarian cancer occurs?
Although this type of cancer can affect a woman of any age, its likelihood increases between the ages of 60 and 80.
Ovarian cancer accounts for nearly 12% of all cancers that strike women. Any race or ethnicity can develop this disease, which is why it becomes the 5th most lethal cancer among the female population.
How do I know if my ovaries are well?
The answer to this question can only be found with your doctor. Hence the importance of maintaining a periodic control that allows you to take actions in time.
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