Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Ovarian Cancer
One of the most dangerous and potentially fatal cancers affecting the female reproductive system is ovarian cancer. The ovaries, two tiny organs on either side of the uterus that produce eggs and hormones like progesterone and estrogen, are where it all starts. Early detection is essential for successful treatment outcomes because ovarian cancer frequently goes undiagnosed until it has spread throughout the pelvis and abdomen.
At Chavan Hospital, recognized as the best oncology hospital in Balapur Hyderabad, we emphasize the importance of awareness, timely diagnosis, and personalized treatment. With state-of-the-art technology and a team of highly qualified specialists, including some of the best oncologists in Hyderabad, we provide comprehensive care for ovarian cancer patients.
How Ovarian Cancer Develops
When aberrant cells in the ovary start to grow out of control and create a tumor, ovarian cancer develops. These cancerous cells have the potential to spread to other body parts if treatment is not received. Genetic mutations, family history, and other risk factors can contribute to its development, though the precise cause is not always known.
Early Detection is Key
One of the main problems with ovarian cancer is that, particularly in its early stages, its symptoms frequently mimic those of less serious illnesses. Because of this, detection is challenging until it has progressed to a more advanced stage. Early diagnosis can be enhanced by routine pelvic exams, symptom awareness, and genetic testing for high-risk individuals.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
There are several types of ovarian cancer, categorized based on the type of cell from which the cancer originates:
The most prevalent type of tumors are epithelial ones, which start on the ovary’s exterior.
Germ cell tumors: These are more prevalent in younger women and are derived from the cells that make eggs.
The connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and generate hormones are the source of stromal tumors.
Each type may require a different treatment approach, and Chavan Hospital ensures accurate classification for tailored therapy.
Causes & Risk Factors
While the exact causes of ovarian cancer are still being studied, several factors are known to increase risk:
Age: Women 50 years of age and older account for the majority of cases.
Family history: Women may be more at risk if they have close relatives who have breast, colorectal, or ovarian cancer.
Genetic mutations: Risk is greatly increased by mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Reproductive history: The risk of ovarian cancer is higher for women who have never been pregnant.
Hormone replacement therapy: Using it for an extended period of time may increase the risk.
Understanding your risk factors can empower you to make informed health decisions. Our genetic counseling services at Chavan Hospital, part of our preventive oncology program, can assess hereditary risks and guide patients on next steps.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Particularly in its early stages, ovarian cancer symptoms are frequently ambiguous. However, it’s important to pay attention to any unusual or persistent signs: Bloating or swelling in the abdomen feeling satisfied after eating quickly Loss of weight Pain or discomfort in the pelvis frequent urge to urinate Weariness Modifications to bowel habits
If any of these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. At Chavan Hospital, early symptom recognition and prompt diagnosis are critical aspects of our patient-centered approach.
Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer
Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. At Chavan Hospital, our multidisciplinary team uses advanced diagnostic tools to detect and confirm ovarian cancer:
- Pelvic examination
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- CT or MRI scans
- Blood tests (including CA-125)
- Biopsy (if needed for confirmation)
We are equipped with advanced imaging and pathology labs, ensuring rapid and accurate results for our patients.
Stages of Ovarian Cancer
Staging is essential to treatment planning because it establishes the extent of the cancer’s spread:
Stage I: Only one or both ovaries are affected by the cancer.
Stage II: The pelvic area has been affected by cancer.
Stage III: The cancer has progressed to lymph nodes or the abdominal cavity.
Stage IV: The cancer has progressed to distant organs such as the lungs or liver.
Our experienced oncology team at Chavan Hospital, known as the best cancer hospital in Hyderabad, crafts personalized treatment plans based on the cancer stage, patient age, overall health, and tumor characteristics.
Treatment Options at Chavan Hospital
At Chavan Hospital, we are committed to providing holistic and innovative treatment solutions. We offer the latest medical advancements in ovarian cancer treatment, including:
Surgery
For ovarian cancer, surgery is frequently the initial course of treatment. Debulking surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible. For a quicker recovery and fewer complications, our skilled surgical oncologists use robotic assistance and minimally invasive techniques.
Chemotherapy
Drugs are used in chemotherapy to either kill or prevent the division of cancer cells. It can be used as an adjuvant (after surgery) or as a neoadjuvant (before surgery). Our group guarantees individualized chemotherapy regimens with careful side effect monitoring.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted medications, such as PARP inhibitors, spare healthy cells while targeting particular cancer cell mechanisms. Patients with BRCA mutations benefit most from these.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is showing promise for ovarian cancer, although it is still in clinical development. For qualified patients, we provide access to state-of-the-art clinical trials.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be advised in some circumstances to eradicate any remaining cancer cells, even though it is not frequently used to treat ovarian cancer.
To support every step of the patient’s journey, our multidisciplinary approach combines the knowledge of medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists with that of nutritionists, counselors, and rehabilitation specialists.
FAQ's
Indeed, ovarian cancer is curable, particularly if caught early. Survival rates are greatly increased by early detection and efficient treatment. Treatment can control symptoms and prolong life, even in more advanced stages. At Chavan Hospital, we strive to provide the best results possible through cutting-edge treatments and caring treatment.
The five-year survival rate depends on the stage at diagnosis:
- Stage I: Over 90%
- Stage II: Around 70%
- Stage III: About 39%
- Stage IV: Less than 20%
While you can’t eliminate risk entirely, these strategies may help:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Using oral contraceptives (linked to lower risk)
- Regular gynecological exams
- Knowing your family history and considering genetic testing
- Avoiding long-term hormone replacement therapy without medical supervision
Our prevention programs and screenings at Chavan Hospital can help you stay proactive about your health.
Side effects vary by treatment type and individual response. Common ones include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss (chemotherapy)
- Menstrual changes or infertility
- Risk of infection
- Emotional stress
We provide supportive care services to manage side effects and improve quality of life during and after treatment.
Yes, around 15-20% of ovarian cancers are linked to inherited genetic mutations, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2. If you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, genetic counseling and testing are recommended.
Chavan Hospital offers comprehensive genetic screening and guidance to assess your risk.
Why Choose Chavan Hospital for Ovarian Cancer Care?
- Top-tier oncology experts: Our specialists rank among the best oncologists in Hyderabad.
- Comprehensive cancer center: All services under one roof—from diagnosis to rehabilitation.
- Patient-centric approach: We prioritize empathy, clear communication, and emotional support.
- Advanced technologies: We employ the latest in surgical, imaging, and treatment technologies.
- High success rates: Backed by years of experience and hundreds of success stories.
At Chavan Hospital, we understand the physical and emotional challenges of facing ovarian cancer. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way—with compassion, expertise, and commitment to your health.