What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that is found in or near a woman's ovaries. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed this year and that more than 14,000 women will die from their diagnoses. This is why it is so essential for ovarian cancer to be diagnosed in its earliest stages as this is the time when it is easiest to treat.
According to the American Cancer Society, it is important to carefully think about all treatment choices by weighing the benefits of each treatment option against the possible risks and side effects.
Signs of ovarian cancer
As with most cancers, ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect in its earliest stages. This makes it important for every woman to make appointments on a regular basis with their gynecologist for a full examination of their pelvic area.
Common signs associated with an ovarian cancer diagnosis:
- Overall bloating in the abdominal area
- Ongoing discomfort or pain in the pelvic or abdominal area
- Experiencing trouble eating
- Quickly feeling full when eating
- An urgency to urinate or the need to urinate often
- Feeling fatigued most of the time
- Having an upset stomach or heartburn after eating
- Experiencing back pain for no apparent reason
- Experiencing discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
- Ongoing constipation
- Changes in menstruation
How is ovarian cancer treated?
When a woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer she will need to choose one or more treatment options in order to remove the cancer from her body. A cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing event and for that reason, a woman who is diagnosed will choose to undergo a procedure to remove the cancer from her body. The goal is to remove all of the cancer so she can once again be healthy and accordingly resume her normal life.
Ovarian cancer treatment involves using one or more of the treatment options available today that are available specifically for treating cancer purposes.
Ovarian cancer treatment options
When it comes to the options available for treating ovarian cancer, it will depend on a woman's overall health, her age, whether or not she plans to have children and her overall personal preferences.
Common treatment options include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Complementary therapies, i.e. acupuncture, meditation, aromatherapy, herbal medicine
Are you experiencing signs of ovarian cancer?
Wondering if you are in need of ovarian cancer treatment? Your first step is finding out whether or not you do indeed have ovarian cancer. If you happen to be exhibiting one or more of the signs listed above, the only way you can know for sure what is happening with your body is to come into our office for a full evaluation.
To ease your feelings of anxiousness or uncertainty, simply give us a call right now so we can go ahead and get you scheduled in. The sooner you find out whether or not you have ovarian cancer, the better as you can begin your treatment options so you can once again be healthy.
