Diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer ========================== Cancer occurs when cells undergo malignant changes and begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably and cause the formation of malignant or cancerous tumors. Ovarian cancer occurs when a tumor forms in one or both ovaries. In the rest of this article, we will talk about ovarian cancer and methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer. You can use the list below to quickly access different sections of the article. Just click on the desired heading. **early symptoms of cancer** Diagnosing uterine cancer is difficult because symptoms often do not appear until the late stages of the disease because the tumor has not grown enough to press on other organs in the abdomen or until the cancer has spread to a distant organ. Also, these symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, and cancer is often not the first thing that comes to mind in people with these symptoms. • Disturbance of the menstrual cycle • Feeling of pain or pressure in the pelvic area • Pain during intercourse (familiarity with all the causes of pain during sex) • Abdominal bloating and swelling • Frequent urination • Constipation • Abdominal bloating • Loss of appetite • Feeling full after eating a little food • Stomach gas and diarrhea • Nausea and vomiting **diagnosis of ovarian cancer** There are many tests and examinations that are used to diagnose ovarian cancer in women. • Pelvic examination: Women should have an annual pelvic examination so that the ovaries can be examined by a doctor, although small tumors are difficult to touch in the early stages of cancer. • Vaginal ultrasound can identify small lumps and determine whether the lump is solid or a cyst. • CT scan of the pelvis and abdomen • Blood test to measure cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) • Biopsy: A biopsy is actually taking a small sample of the ovary and examining it under a microscope. A biopsy is the only way your doctor can confirm whether you have ovarian cancer or not. **Possible signs of ovarian cancer include abdominal pain and swelling.** In the early stages of ovarian cancer, there may be no symptoms. When symptoms appear, ovarian cancer is often in an advanced stage. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include: Abdominal pain or swelling. Pain in the pelvis. Gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, bloating, or constipation. It is possible that these symptoms are not caused by ovarian cancer and are caused by other diseases. If the symptoms worsen or do not resolve, a doctor should be consulted so that possible diseases can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. If epithelial ovarian cancer is detected in its early stages, it is often curable. Tests that examine the ovaries, pelvic area, blood, and ovarian tissue are used to detect and diagnose ovarian cancer. **The following tests and procedures may be used:** • Pelvic examination: examination of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum. The doctor or nurse, wearing gloves with a lubricant (lubricant), inserts one or two fingers into the vagina and places the other hand on the lower abdomen to feel the size, shape, and location of the uterus and ovaries. A speculum is also inserted into the uterus, and the doctor or nurse looks at the uterus and cervix for signs of disease. Usually they perform a Pap test or Pap smear of the cervix. The doctor or nurse inserts a finger, which is inside a glove with a lubricant, into the rectum to feel for any lumps or abnormal areas. Ultrasound: a procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are reflected from tissues or organs inside the body and create echoes. These echoes form an image of the body's tissues, which is called a sonogram. Ca 125 assay: A test that measures the level of Ca 125 in the blood. Ca 125 is a substance that cells release in the blood. Sometimes, elevated Ca 125 levels are a sign of cancer or other disease. Barium enema: Using X-rays, a series of pictures are taken of the lower part of the digestive tract. A liquid containing barium (a silvery-white metallic substance) is poured into the rectum. Barium covers the lower part of the digestive tract and X-rays are taken. This procedure is also called serial imaging of the lower gastrointestinal tract. Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP): X-rays are taken of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to see if the cancer has spread to these organs. A contrast dye is injected into a vein. When the contrast passes through the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, an X-ray is taken to see if there is a blockage. CT scan: A procedure in which a computer, connected to an X-ray machine, takes a series of detailed images of the body. Also called computed tomography. Biopsy: Removal of cells or tissues in order for the pathologist to examine them under a microscope. They remove the tissue in a procedure called laparotomy (in which a surgical incision is made in the abdominal wall). Certain factors affect the treatment options (probability of recovery). **Prognosis (probability of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:** 1. Stage of cancer 2. Type and size of tumor 3. Age and general health of the patient 4. Whether the cancer is newly diagnosed or has returned (recurred). #### Dr. Siddiqa Akhan Tabib **Surgeon and specialist in gynecology, childbirth and infertility** **Office:** Valiasr Street, below Vali Asr Square, Voldi Street, No. 21, 1st floor Set time Tel: 021-88938793