Ovarian cancer is one of the most common female cancers that originates in the ovaries, often near end of the fallopian tubes. The ovaries consist of 3 types of cells, which can prompt 3 different kinds of tumors to form in the ovaries. These tumors are known as stromal tumors, germ cell tumors, and epithelial tumors. All of these tumors are non-malignant except the epithelial tumor, which has a low chance of malignancy.

Ovarian cancer may or may not show any symptoms to the body. Rather, a woman who is affected with it may experience pain in the pelvis and in the lower abdomen, gastrointestinal upset including nausea, indigestion, irregular bowel habits, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

Diagnosing and screening of the ovarian cancer

Seeking diagnosis at the first sign of symptoms is important for detecting ovarian cancer at its early stage and for effective cancer treatment. Oncologists will often prescribe several tests for properly diagnosing your cancer stage and progression. The basic tests which are necessary for detecting the effectiveness of an ovarian cancer include:

• Imaging tests
• Pelvic exams
• Blood tests to check for other health issues, and BRCA mutations

Treatment options for ovarian cancer

There are a number of treatments for ovarian cancer treatment that your oncologist may recommend according to the stage of ovarian cancer.

1. Targeted therapy

This therapy targets and kills cancer using drugs that prompt the body to interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemo is a popular and effective ovarian cancer treatment, which aims to reduce cancer by administering a drug intravenous drug. Chemo is often used before surgery to shrink cancerous tissues.

3. Surgery

Cancer surgery aims to eliminate cancerous cells and tumors and remove them from the body. In the case of ovarian cancer, surgeries are performed to remove either one or both of the ovaries, and sometimes the uterus and ovaries.