Home - health - Ovarian Cancer – Top Symptoms And Management
Ovarian cancer – Top symptoms and management

Ovarian cancer – Top symptoms and management

Ovarian cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the ovaries, which can spread and harm healthy tissues. There are three types of ovarian cancer: epithelial, stromal, and germ-cell tumors. Although the disease’s exact cause is unknown, experts suggest that age, genetics, endometriosis, and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy are potential risk factors. It’s essential to be aware of the symptoms and treatment options available to identify and manage this condition.

Signs
Detecting ovarian cancer can be challenging since its symptoms can be similar to other health issues. To help identify the disease, here are some signs to watch out for.

Abdominal pain
One may experience abdominal pain for several reasons, including if they suffer from gastrointestinal issues and period cramps. However, it could also indicate the growth of cancer in the ovaries. When a tumor grows in the pelvis, it may cause pain in the lower abdomen. Therefore, one should get the symptoms checked by an expert.

Feeling full quickly
Ascites is a term for extra fluid buildup inside the abdomen, in the space between the organs. If someone develops cancer, the affected cells are usually found inside the additional fluid (malignant ascites). The buildup of ascites makes one feel swollen, bloated, or tight in the abdomen. As a result, they may tend to feel full quickly, even after a light snack. One may also lose their appetite if they suffer from this complication of ovarian cancer.

Frequent urination
Drinking too much water or health conditions like kidney disease are triggers of frequent urination. However, if there are no underlying complications and one still finds the urge to urinate, but only a trickle follows, it could indicate the onset of ovarian cancer. The increased urge to urinate may occur when ovarian cancer cells have formed outside of the bladder wall. The sign may also result from ascites in the pelvis that have compressed the bladder. This could cause one to feel like they must pass urine more frequently.

Fatigue
Feeling exhausted after a long day at work, school, home, or even after strenuous physical routines like exercise is normal. But if they experience sudden fatigue, they should get the symptom assessed by an expert. Cancer usually changes normal protein and hormone levels associated with inflammatory processes in the body. The disease also creates harmful substances that may alter the function of healthy cells. As a result, one may experience symptoms like fatigue even without indulging in any form of physical activity.

Trouble breathing
The trouble with breathing is a sign that may surface in the later stages of ovarian cancer. It may occur when the tumors spread uncontrollably, become significant, and start to press against the lungs. Such growth may prevent an individual from inhaling and exhaling normally, causing trouble with their breathing.

Treatment options
After an expert has diagnosed the patient with ovarian cancer, they may recommend various treatment options.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a method that uses a specialized formula to eliminate fast-growing cells in the body, including cancer cells. The therapy can be introduced into a vein or taken by mouth. It could be used before or after surgery to eliminate cancerous cells.

Targeted therapy
An expert may also use targeted therapy, focusing on specific weaknesses inside cancer cells. By targeting these areas, the method could eliminate the harmful cells.

Hormone therapy
Sometimes ovarian cancer cells use estrogen to help them grow. Therefore, an expert may recommend hormone therapy, which utilizes prescriptions to block the effects of the hormone estrogen on ovarian cancer cells. Doing so could help reduce and control cancerous growth.

Immunotherapy
The immune system is at the forefront of fighting cancerous cells. But cancer cells may produce a protein that usually helps them stay hidden from the immune system cells. Through immunotherapy, experts aim to interfere with the process, which may help tackle cancerous development.

Surgery
One of the most common treatments for ovarian cancer is surgery.

  • Early-stage cancer that has not spread beyond the ovary may require surgery to remove one ovary. The procedure may involve removing the affected ovary and its fallopian tube. One should note that the process may preserve the ability to have children.
  • If the cancer has spread to the ovaries, but there are no signs of additional growth, the surgeon may remove both the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. In this procedure, the professional leaves the uterus intact, so one could still become pregnant using frozen embryos or eggs or with eggs from a donor.
  • When the cancer is extensive, or the individual does not wish to preserve their ability to have children, the surgeon removes both ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the uterus. Even nearby lymph nodes and a fold of fatty abdominal tissue (omentum) are removed in the process.
  • Women with advanced cancer may require surgery to remove as much growth as possible. They may also receive chemotherapy before or after surgery to help reduce the spread of the disease.

Supportive care
Supportive (palliative) care is specialized healthcare that offers relief from pain and other symptoms of a severe illness, including ovarian cancer. A specialist would work with the patient, their family, and other doctors to offer additional support to complement their ongoing care. Palliative care could be used while undergoing other aggressive treatment, such as chemotherapy. It could help cancer patients improve their quality of life and feel better.

Ovarian cancer lawsuit compensation facts
If someone has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer due to using talcum powder products, they may be entitled to a settlement. Those who have used cosmetic or commercial talcum powder products and have developed ovarian cancer may file a lawsuit and receive compensation. Even family members or spouses who have lost someone to ovarian cancer due to the product may be eligible to file a claim. The settlement amount may vary depending on factors such as physical and financial damages, healthcare bills, disease severity, lost quality of life, and lost earning capacity. Individuals are advised to contact a lawyer for a free talcum powder lawsuit case review.

Latest Articles

5 smart ways of using tablet computers
Tablets

5 smart ways of using tablet computers

You see tablet computers everywhere. More and more people are now moving toward tablets in offices, coffee shops, homes, and even schools. This is because they offer more power and uses than a smartphone and better portability than a desktop or even a laptop. Tablets have many more uses than simply checking your emails or browsing social media. Here are some interesting ways to find more uses for your tablet computer: Second screen Some people like to work on two screens at a time due to the demand of their work. This also enhances productivity and cuts down on time. It is easy to mirror your Android to another Android or even a computer. To use your tablet as an extended display, you need to install an application on your computer and connect the tablet to it using a USB cable or Wi-Fi. Some of the best app options to do this include Spacedesk, Google Remote Desktop, iDisplay, Duet Display, etc. As a remote to control electronics Tablet computers can be easily used to control your electronics. A tablet is larger than a remote and much easier to find and operate with better features. You can control your PC and television with it. It can also dim your home lights, open your garage door, and operate your smart fridge and washing machine. For instance, if you have a Sony Smart TV, you can use the TV Sideview application for your Apple and Android systems. E-Reader If you are an avid reader and have an old tablet, you don’t need to purchase a new e-reader. Your tablet can easily be used as an e-reader to browse your favorite books, magazines, comic strips, and even news applications. Since tablet screens have more glare, we suggest getting an anti-glare film on the screen.
Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia
health

Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Potassium is an essential nutrient that allows your body to function optimally. A meal plan rich in potassium allows proper nerve function and regulates your heartbeat. However, certain conditions such as kidney diseases and consuming food rich in potassium excessively may increase its levels in your bloodstream leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia . Let’s look at foods you should limit to keep your potassium within normal levels. Bananas The first food that comes to mind when people think of potassium sources is bananas. One medium-sized banana contains almost 422 mg of potassium. Though it would take a lot of bananas to cause an overdose of potassium, if you are also eating other foods rich in potassium, it will lead to excessive potassium levels in your blood, which in turn, will trigger hyperkalemia . Tomato Sauce and Paste Raw tomatoes contain a decent amount of potassium. One medium tomato has about 292 mg of potassium. Concentrated forms of tomatoes, such as sauces, salsa, paste, puree, etc., contain even higher amounts of potassium. For instance, a small cup of tomato sauce contains almost 728 mg potassium. So, it is advised to skip tomato sauce and opt for alternatives such as basil or roasted red peppers. Milk If you have been advised a low potassium meal plan, you must avoid milk or at least its consumption needs to be reduced. A cup of whole milk contains around 350 mg of potassium. The lower the amount of fat in milk, the higher the potassium content. While you may have a small serving of milk daily, it should not exceed 300 ml. It means avoiding milk and dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, milk-based sweets, ice creams, and other desserts. Oranges and Orange Juice Oranges have a very high potassium content and are best avoided if diagnosed with hyperkalemia .
7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer
Tech

7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer

With all the options of computer brands available in the market today, you might think it is effortless to pick up one. However, with so many choices, it can get tricky as buying a computer is a hefty, long-term investment. That’s why you should be aware of some common buying mistakes people would make while purchasing this device. And so, here are a few things to avoid before you invest in a computer : Buying without knowing your needs Never buy a computer just because everyone is buying it or there’s a lot of hype around it. While you may want to prioritize aesthetics and popularity, you need to identify your need for a computer and its software . Make a list of all the features that you would need and get the computer configured accordingly. Unfamiliar with different software programs Not knowing the right software may cost you heavily. Purchasing expensive software with a long list of features may not be the best thing to do if half of these features don’t even apply to your work. Next, know how to install and use the software. You also need to know if the software is protected against bugs with an antivirus program and consider the after-sale service of the software. Not considering different operating systems There are four primary operating systems you should know – Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Linux. While technology has made it easier to switch between these operating systems, you may often find one or more applications not working on alternative systems. So, if you have an expensive software installed, check with your developer if it will be compatible with the OS you plan to get. Not accounting for other computer costs A common mistake made by many while purchasing a computer is not accounting for other costs that are part of the bundle.