Knowing the symptoms is part of the process to diagnose ovarian cancer

When you think about cancers affecting women, screenings such as a Pap test or mammogram may come to mind. While those tests help diagnose common cancers, it’s a little more challenging to diagnose ovarian cancer.

There’s no recommended screening test for detecting ovarian cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Because of that, many ovarian tumors are diagnosed at a later stage, after cancer cells have spread.

However, it is possible to detect ovarian cancer in an early stage. The key is for women to be in tune with their bodies and to consult an East Jefferson General Hospital women’s health provider when they notice any unusual changes.

The facts about ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of five main gynecologic cancers that can affect women. The American Cancer Society estimates that 19,680 women will develop ovarian cancer in the U.S. this year. This type of cancer occurs when cancerous cells grow in the female reproductive glands.

There are multiple types of ovarian cancer. Epithelial cancer, the most common type, originates in the cells covering the ovaries. In addition to epithelial cancer that grows in or on an ovary, two types of epithelial cancer—fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer—originate outside the ovaries and can spread to them.

Malignant germ cell tumors and stromal tumors are less common forms of ovarian cancer.

Like other types of cancer, ovarian cancer is most easily treatable when it’s detected early. Ovarian cancer found in a localized stage, meaning it has not spread, has a five-year survival rate of more than 90%.

Understanding your risk for ovarian cancer

While every woman should keep a close eye on her health, it’s vital for women at an increased risk of ovarian cancer to pay attention to how they’re feeling. Risk factors for ovarian cancer include:

• BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations

• Endometriosis

• Family history of ovarian cancer in a daughter, sister or mother

• Lynch syndrome and certain other genetic conditions

• Use of hormone replacement therapy

Women who are overweight or obese, who are tall, and who have gone through menopause are at a higher risk for ovarian cancer.

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer

When ovarian cancer is detected in an early stage and treated, it’s most often because a woman reports symptoms to a medical provider. Symptoms to note include:

• Abdominal or back pain

• Bloating

• Changes in bathroom habits

• Difficulty eating, including feeling full quickly

• Pelvic pressure or pain

• Unusual vaginal bleeding

What constitutes unusual bleeding? Any bleeding that’s outside your norm, including a period that’s longer or heavier than usual. Any bleeding after menopause is also cause for concern.

While these symptoms can be related to less serious health issues, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Let your provider determine what’s causing your symptoms.

Detecting and treating ovarian cancer

Suppose you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to ovarian cancer. In that case, your provider can use several tests to determine a diagnosis, including a pelvic exam, blood tests and imaging scans such as ultrasound. Confirming an ovarian cancer diagnosis requires a biopsy, where a sample of ovarian tissue is analyzed under a microscope.

If you’re diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your team of providers, including oncologists, will create a treatment plan based on factors including the type and stage of cancer you have. Genetic testing may be used to identify whether ovarian cancer is related to a genetic change, which can help determine how the team at East Jefferson General Hospital should treat it.

Most patients with ovarian cancer need surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, along with chemotherapy or targeted therapy to eradicate cancer in the body. Clinical trials may also be available in some cases, offering patients access to innovative new treatment options.

East Jefferson General Hospital cares for women at every age and stage of life. Find a women’s health provider you can trust.