Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the ovaries. The ovaries are the female reproductive organs in which eggs are formed and female hormones are produced. Ovarian cancer arises either from a thin layer of cells on the surface of the ovary, or from the epithelium of the fallopian tubes, a form called epithelial ovarian cancer, which is also the most common type of ovarian cancer, or from other tissues in the ovary (non-epithelial ovarian cancer). Both terms refer to a diverse group of different subtypes of ovarian cancer.
Several major factors contribute to the development of ovarian cancer. These are age - the disease is uncommon in women under 40, with half of cases occurring in women over the age of 60. Secondly obesity - women with a body mass index of 30 or more are more susceptible to the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Also factors such as late pregnancy, no pregnancy, early first menstruation (before age 12) and onset of menopause after age 51 increase the likelihood of the disease. Hormone therapy after menopause - use of estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone after menopause is associated with increased risk. Mutations in the BRCA genes - the presence of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increases the risk of ovarian cancer, with a mutation in BRCA1 increasing the risk by up to about 40%, while a BRCA2 mutation results in a 10-20% increase in risk.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often non-specific and may include abdominal pain, bloating or a feeling of fullness, frequent urges to urinate, digestive changes such as constipation or diarrhea, and weight loss. Because clear signs are often absent in the early stages, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the stage of the disease and may include surgery to remove the affected ovaries, fallopian tubes and even the uterus. Chemotherapy is also administered to destroy cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Ovarian cancer usually affects older people, although it can happen at any age. It usually starts as small clusters of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps are usually not cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancer over time.
In addition, targeted therapy and hormone therapy can be used to fight specific types of tumors, especially those that produce certain proteins or hormones. Immunotherapy is also gaining popularity as a method of stimulating the body's immune system to attack cancer cells.
Regular medical examinations and follow-up after treatment are critical for early detection of possible relapses and evaluation of the effectiveness of therapies.