The main types of disease
It is customary to distinguish four stages of ovarian cancer.In this case, the tumor can affect either one side or both at once. The first stage is characterized directly only by the spread of cancer on one or both ovaries. In this case, the tumor does not leave the main site of the lesion. At the second stage, cancer is most often observed, which also affects the fallopian tubes, uterus, even the rectum. But all this occurs within the pelvis. At the third stage, ovarian cancer spreads to the surfaces of the abdominal organs, in certain cases even to the lymph nodes. It is now that ascites is a concomitant disease. In 80% of cases, the pathology is diagnosed precisely during this period. At the fourth stage, extensive metastases are already observed, which spread to almost all internal organs. It is now quite easy to detect a tumor by palpation. Three types of cancer can be determined depending on its specificity. A tumor that most often affects a woman under 30 years of age and has a clear manifestation in the form of a bilateral ovarian lesion, which has a tubercle, significant density and small size, is called endometrioid or primary cancer. Secondary cancer most often develops from benign cysts. Its size can be absolutely different: from the smallest, almost unnoticeable, to quite significant sizes. The internal content has a dissimilar state. Here, a lubricant-like substance, mucus or transparent watery liquid can be observed. Such a tumor develops into a malignant formation if a woman has a serious cystoma and the growths are of the papillary type. Metastatic ovarian cancer can arise from absolutely any organ affected by cancer. This type grows very quickly and is malignant. Most often, both ovaries are affected. It has also been revealed that this type of cancer spreads metastases to the peritoneum of the small pelvis quite early, forming tuberous tumor nodes.
Main symptoms of ovarian cancer
Experts do not identify exact symptoms,which can detect ovarian cancer. This is mainly due to the fact that the manifestation of signs in this pathology is quite similar to the symptoms of other diseases of the internal organs. Most often, they are disorders of the digestive process or the full functioning of the bladder. In order to distinguish one from the other, it is necessary to observe their systematicity, constancy, and increase. So, the main signs of ovarian cancer in women:
- abdominal pain that is spasmodic. An important feature: this pain is unlike the pain of menstruation;
- pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, in the pelvis. They arise because of the inflammatory process and persecute the woman throughout the month, and not just on the threshold of menstruation;
- mucous discharge. Often they are completely transparent, but have an unpleasant smell. There is also an admixture of blood in them;
- pain or bleeding during exercise / sexual intercourse;
- loss of appetite;
- endless nausea;
- a sharp change in weight, both large and small;
- failure in the menstrual cycle;
- swelling, a feeling of overflow and pressure in the abdomen;
- acute and frequent urge to urinate;
- gassing, indigestion;
- weakness of the whole organism;
- diarrhea, abruptly replaced by constipation;
- increase in the waist. It can be observed as from one side affected, thereby creating asymmetry, and evenly along the entire circumference.
The listed signs of cancer can be attributed tomany diseases of internal organs. The most important thing is to monitor their constancy. If an unchanged situation is observed over several days/weeks and the condition only worsens, i.e. there is a clear progression, this is a "bell" to contact a specialist and conduct a full diagnosis.
Causes of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer in women can sometimes be predicted,if there is a hereditary tendency to this type of pathology. This includes not only ovarian cancer itself, but also malignant tumors of the mammary gland, uterus, fallopian tubes. Sexually transmitted diseases are no exception, especially in cases where they have not been treated properly or are permanent. Improper nutrition, including the predominance of fatty, fried foods with dyes, carcinogens, and harmful additives in the diet can also become a fertile ground for the development of cancer. Often, an irregular sex life is one of the signs of ovarian cancer. Women who have menopause too early or too late are also susceptible to this disease. Not all of these reasons can necessarily influence the occurrence of this pathology. Almost every second woman in her life has a certain set of the listed points, but not everyone is susceptible to ovarian cancer. The most important thing is to remember that after the age of 30, you need to visit a gynecologist for an examination, donate blood for analysis. It is worth recalling that ovarian cancer in women, which was detected at an early stage, can be treated, in most cases with positive dynamics. But there is a treatment algorithm for each stage of the disease. So, at the first stage, everything can be solved surgically by removing the affected ovary or ovaries. If the disease is detected at a later time, then surgery is required, during which the uterus, omentum, and all other affected organs will also be removed. Chemotherapy and chemotherapy drugs are used quite often. These methods inhibit further cancer development. But this method has quite a few side effects. Therefore, in order not to be exposed to this terrible disease, it is necessary to monitor your health and at least twice a year a woman should visit her gynecologist, including timely diagnostics, prescribed treatment.
