Is early identification of ovarian cancer possible?
by Vivek Choudhary Nice lifeTo begin with, the term ‘Ovarian
Cancer’, is one among the wide spectrum of cancers diagnosed throughout the
world. And like them all, it is caused due to formation of a clot (or tumour)
caused by the outgrowth of cells, in this case, in the female reproductive
organ, that is, from anywhere in the ovaries to the end of the fallopian tubes.
But, unlike others of its kind, its symptoms are rarely distinguishable from common
illnesses, which make early detection a tougher task. Thus, a quick insight
into ‘what to look for, who is at risk and how can it be detected’ can help set
the cornerstone of such an endeavour.
Since early detection of cancer
leaves a variety of alternative treatments to choose from, one must consult a
doctor if the following symptoms persist or grow unusually over time:
●
Menstrual irregularities
●
Abdominal(belly) pain or
cramping
●
Lack of proper appetite or
abnormal fullness
●
Abdominal bloating, pressure or
pain
●
Indigestion, heartburn or
constipation
●
Stimulated pressure of urination
●
Nausea and quick exhaustion
●
Lower back pain
According to the National Cancer
Institute, only 20% of ovarian cancers are detected on an early stage,
attributed to its undetectable symptoms and when found early, 94% of patients
live longer than 5 years after being diagnosed. Also, the risk of developing
ovarian cancer increases with age, women above the age of 50 have a higher
risk, mostly found among whom, are those already through menopause. More than
50% of those diagnosed with ovarian cancer are above the 60-65 age group.
However, one must keep in mind
that survival rates are estimated based of previous reports of a varied
population, which might consequently change along with personal diagnosis,
thus, one can consult a gynecologist doctor in Gurgaon or a pregnancy pain center in Gurgaon who would provide
specific details of the situation.
Since there is no feasible
periodic diagnostic screening for ovarian cancer, ovarian tumours are difficult
to discover, unless a health care professional runs a pelvic examination upon
suspicion of possibility. One can also consult a pregnancy specialist doctor in Chandigarh, in case they harbour
any doubt.
The following tests other than
the Pelvic exam help detect the possibility of ovarian cancer:
●
Transvaginal Ultrasound(TVUS):
it helps detect the formation of a tumour using sound waves, however nature,
that is, if it is cancerous or not, cannot be determined.
●
CA-125 Blood Test: to measure
cancer antigens
●
Biopsy: a sample of ovarian
tissue is pathologically examined, and is the only way to certify ovarian
cancer.
Thus, to answer the
posed question, yes, early detection of ovarian cancer is possible and can
prevent it from annexing other parts of the body or organs within the abdomen
such as the liver, intestines, and stomach. Since the survival rates are low at
an advanced stage, only an early diagnosis may protract one’s lifetime.
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Created on Feb 19th 2020 03:25. Viewed 349 times.