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Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is not easy to detect in the early stages. Often the symptoms of ovarian cancer are easily mistaken for other conditions and unfortunately most cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed only in the advanced stages. Ovarian cancer is normally observed in women over 40 years. Women who have had endometriosis or undergone infertility treatment such as stimulation of the ovaries are at higher risk of ovarian cancer. Women who have given birth to 2-3 children reduce their risk fo developing ovarian cancer as also those who have opted for tubal litigation. A woman who has used oral contraceptives has reduced chances of cancer of the ovaries.

A woman suffering from ovarian cancer is likely to suffer from pelvic discomfort and abdominal pressure and bloating. There is increased need to urinate and unexplained change in bowel habits. The other symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are unexplained weight gain or loss and unusual fatigue. Since most of these symptoms are vague, often ovarian cancer is not detected in the early stages. A patient may feel pain during sexual intercourse and urination.

A gynaecologist will conduct a rectovaginal pelvic examination of the patient to trace any irregularity in the shape or size of the ovary. If ovarian cysts or tumors above a specific size are noticed, they are usually removed or a biopsy is conducted for better diagnosis. Trans-vaginal sonography helps in detecting ovarian irregularities. It can help in locating the site of the tumor. Blood test CA-125 is also helpful in diagnosing ovarian tumor. Women suffering from ovarian cancer tend to have elevated levels of CA125 in their blood. 'Ovarian Pap Test' consists of a smear of the cells from the ovarian surface that is tested for any obnormalities. Surgery is almost always the first treatment ovarian cancer. Both the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed.

CRP blood test

CRP (C-Reactive Protein) blood test measures the levels of a special protein produced by the liver during infection or acute inflammation. Usually blood does not contain CRP. CRP blood tests are often done to diagnose rhematic fever, cancer, tuberculosis, pnemonia or heart attack. Often CRP test is suggested along with ESR blood test to check for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Pregnant women or women on oral contraceptives may notice positive CRP in the blood. Since CRP blood test is indicative of inflammation in the blood, it is an important predictor of heart problems.

Cervical Cancer

Cancer of the uterine cervix is a gradual form of cancer that can be treated. The cervix is that portion of the uterus that lies at the top of the vagina. Cervical cancer is usually caused by various strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). The Pap smear has played a major role in early diagnosis of this form of uterine cancer. Cases of 'pre cancerous' cervical changes are detected with pap smears and treated in time before they turn malignant. The pap smear test is able to detect any abnormal cells in the cervical region. The 'pre cancerous' condition is referred to as 'dysplasia'. Consequently the morbidity rate of cervical cancer has drastically reduced. Cervix biopsies of different types are diagnostic procedures that can also function as treatments for pre-cancerous lesion in the cervix area.

In the early stages, cervical cancer does not give rise to any symptoms. Symptoms of cervical cancer are abnormal vaginal bleeding and foul-smelling discharge. A woman may also experience pelvic or back pain. There may be weight loss and loss of appetite. Women who have genital warts are at increased risk of cervical cancer. Multiple sexual partners and early age of sexual activity can also make a woman more susceptible to cervical cancer. A woman with a weakened immune system is more at risk of cervical cancer. Cigarette smoking and oral contraceptives have also been known to increase the risk of developing abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. A doctor will conduct a physical examination to check for any irregular fleshy growth. Cervical cancer is treated according to the size and stage of the disease. Treatment is also decided based on the woman's age and health. If detected in the early stages, cervical cancer can be treated without removing the uterus or damaging the cervix.