Contact live support now for all your inquiries0850 399 11 50
Gynecology and Obstetrics
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most insidious types of gynecological cancers, caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the ovaries. It is not a single disease; it has many subtypes originating from different cell types.
ℹWhat is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is divided into three main groups depending on which cell it starts from: Epithelial Cell Tumors (90%), Germ Cell Tumors (5%), and Stromal Cell Tumors (5%). Rarely, Primary Peritoneal Ovarian Cancer is also present.
The reason ovarian cancer is called the "silent killer" is that symptoms usually appear after the disease has spread into the abdomen, and these symptoms are often confused with digestive system problems.
Common Symptoms
Abdominal Bloating
Clothes suddenly feeling tight or persistent sensation of fullness.
Pelvic or Abdominal Pain
Persistent, dull pain.
Early Satiety
Feeling full quickly when eating and loss of appetite.
Urinary Complaints
Frequent urination or sudden urinary urgency.
Bowel Changes
Bouts of constipation or diarrhea.
Diagnosis Methods
Gynecological Examination
Assessment of ovarian size, shape, consistency, and rectovaginal examination for mass evaluation.
Transvaginal Ultrasonography
The closest-view method for ovaries. Evaluates whether masses are cystic or solid.
CT and MRI
Evaluation of intra-abdominal spread, lymph nodes, and distant metastasis.
CA-125, HE4 and ROMA Score
Tumor markers used for follow-up and risk analysis.
Laparoscopy/Laparotomy
Definitive diagnosis is made by biopsy. A rapid pathological examination can be performed with Frozen Section.
Causes
Genetics
Family history of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Lynch syndrome.
Age
Most commonly occurs in the postmenopausal period (over age 50-60).
Reproductive History
Nulliparity or late-age first birth may slightly increase risk.
Treatments
Surgery
The primary treatment. In debulking (tumor-reducing) surgery, complete cytoreduction (leaving no visible tumor behind) determines success. Robotic surgery can be applied in suitable cases.
Chemotherapy
The combination of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel is given as the standard. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given first if the tumor is very widespread.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Delivery of chemotherapy drugs heated up to 41–43°C into the abdomen at the end of surgery. It significantly increases survival time, especially in interval surgery.
PARP Inhibitors
Olaparib and Niraparib are particularly effective in BRCA-mutated or HRD-positive patients.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Bevacizumab inhibits tumor neovascularization, starving the tumor.
Immunotherapy
Pembrolizumab approved for PD-L1 positive, platinum-resistant cases.