This is a cancer or malignant growth
that begins in an ovary. It is usually undetected until it is large enough to
cause symptoms in the advanced stage as such it is a leading cause of
morbidity. There are three (3) main types of ovarian cancer
depending on the
cell in which it develops.
Epithelial Tumor: it is the most common type of
ovarian cancer and it starts from the cell that covers the outer surface of the
ovary.
Germ Cell Tumor: This cancer cells starts from the
cells that produce eggs cell (ova).
Stromal
Tumor: This tumor
starts from the structural tissue that holds the ovary together and produce the
female hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
The
major cause of ovarian cancer is unknown but about 10% is associated with a
family history of breast, endometrial colon or ovarian cancer.
The use of hormonal drugs, drugs, high
fat diet, smoking, alcohol use and environmental pollutions can predispose one
to ovaries cancer. It is more incidence in women over 50 years of age.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
The early stage of the disease is asymptomatic
(having no symptoms). The first manifestations are usually vague. There is
abdominal discomfort, indigestion flatulence, anorexia, pelvic pressure, weight
gain or loss etc.
The late manifestations may include severe
abdominal pain which may be secondary to torsion of the ovarian mass backaches,
bloating, trouble eating or feeling full quickly etc.
DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATIONS
Pelvic examination to detect
enlargement, modularity immobility of ovaries.
Transvaginal
ultrasound (TVUS):
Here, sound waves are used to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries
by putting ultrasound wand into the vagina which can help find tumor in ovary.
Tumor
marker cancer antigen CA-125 blood test: CA 125 is a protein in the blood. In many women with
ovaries cancer, the level of CA-125 is high. The high level usually goes down
it treatment is working.
Pelvic
sonography (trans-abdominal and trans-virginal) and CT scan: ovarian masses greater than 8-10cm
are suspicious of malignancy.
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Surgery
Omentectomy and Oophorectomy: This is the usual treatment. It also entails removal of
one or both ovaries this is so because diagnosis is usually delayed. Optimal
debunking to less than 1cm is the goal.
Chemotherapy: This is most effective if tumor is
optically debunked. This may be given intravenously (iv) or intraperitoneal. It
is indented to prevent a diseased reoccurrence.
Radiation therapy; although not
usually valuable but may be used to prevent local reoccurrence.
Hormonal
Therapy:- This is usually achieved by the use of taxmoxifen.
(tamofen) an antioestrogen agent. Progestin may be used depending on oestrogen
receptor/progesteron receptor status.
0 Comments
We would love to get a feedback from you