The reproductive system of a female consists of two ovaries, with the uterus having one on each side. They are involved in producing eggs as well as estrogen and progesterone (hormones). Three kinds of cells make up the ovaries and each of them can develop a distinct kind of tumor- Epithelial tumors, Germ cell tumors and Stromal tumors.

Painful, life- altering and asymptomatic in nature, Ovarian cancer can be defined as the growth of cells, present in the ovaries, invade and damage the healthy body tissue.

While some tumors may be benign and may not spread beyond the ovary, some may be malignant or borderline ovarian tumors with the potential of spreading to different parts of the body and can be fatal.

• Feeling bloated
• Quickly feeling full when eating
• Weight loss
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Feeling of fatigue
• Back pain
• Changes in bowel, such as constipation
• Frequent urination

Risk factors

There are various factors that may predispose a person to the risk for developing ovarian cancer such as older age, certain inherited genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, being overweight, postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, endometriosis, etc.Treatment

Ovarian cancer treatments are of various types but usually a combination of surgery and chemotherapy is used. Some of them are-

• Cancer Surgery is carried out to treat the cancer by removing one ovary, both ovaries or both ovaries and the uterus depending on the progress and the stage of the cancer.
• Chemotherapy employs drugs which make use of chemicals to kill cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy is another treatment making use of the drugs with their eye on a particular weakness present within the cancer cells, and an attack on it will kill them.
• Hormone therapy is also a drug treatment that may block the effects of estrogen on cancer cells which utilizes them to grow themselves.
• Immunotherapy helps by hindering the process of cancer cells hiding from the immune system.

While we look towards the west for best medical treatments, in recent years, India has emerged as one of the top countries in the world for providing best and highly successful treatment and healthcare facilities. Cancer surgery and treatment in India has proved to be one associated with high success rate and top- level treatment at an affordable price.

If you are the one looking for the best doctor in the field and affordable treatment, then you should get in touch with Dr. Shivam Vatsal.