Ovarian cancer symptoms are easy to ignore

Reporter: Ovarian Cancer How dangerous is it for women, doctor?

Doctor Le Tri Chinh: Ovarian Cancer It is one of the most common cancers of the genital tract in women.

All over the world Ovarian Cancer It is the second most common genital tract cancer after cervical cancer, and is also the second leading cause of death from genital tract cancer after cervical cancer.

In Vietnam, about 1,200 cases of women are diagnosed each year Ovarian Cancer. Most cases appear at menopause, but the disease can also occur at a younger age.

Ovarian Cancer is when one or both ovaries appear abnormal cells, these cells grow not according to the needs of the body and the body’s control, they form malignant tumors.

These cancer cells can also invade and destroy surrounding tissues and organs. Not only that, they can metastasize to distant organs in the body and cause secondary cancers in those organs.

There are 3 types of ovarian cancer, including: Ovarian carcinoma (this is also the most common cancer today: germ cell cancer; stromal cancer)

According to doctors, what factors increase the risk of ovarian cancer?

Doctor Le Tri Chinh: The exact cause of ovarian cancer is still unknown. But studies show an association between the following factors that increase the risk of ovarian cancer: Women going through menopause or having low fertility; Women with irregular menstrual periods; Women taking fertility drugs.

Women taking postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy; Women with breast cancer; Genetic factors: Women whose mothers or sisters have had ovarian cancer, breast cancer or colorectal cancer have a 2- to 4-fold increased risk of ovarian cancer.

What are the early symptoms of ovarian cancer, doctor?

Doctor Le Tri Chinh: In fact, we often overlook or misunderstand the signs of ovarian cancer as symptoms of other minor illnesses. Always pay attention and stay alert when you notice the following signs as they are most likely early symptoms of ovarian cancer:

– Discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen

– Digestive disorders such as nausea, diarrhea or constipation

Frequent urination due to increased pressure on the bladder

– Poor appetite, feeling full of stomach even after a light meal

Unexplained weight gain or loss.

– Abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause, abnormal changes in the menstrual cycle.

Pain during sex.

Ovarian cancer is a dangerous disease that, if not detected and treated in time, can lead to death. Therefore, in order to detect and have timely treatment, you should pay attention to your health and perform periodic health check-ups every 6 months.

What treatments are available for ovarian cancer, doctor?

Doctor Le Tri Chinh: For patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer, especially early-stage ovarian cancer, surgery is always the treatment of choice. When When performing surgery, the doctor will try to remove as much of the cancer cells as possible, the remaining cancer cells can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation.

Usually, the patient will have to remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, omentum, and abdominal lymph nodes. But if the patient wants to have children, the doctor will try to preserve the organs that have not been invaded by cancer cells.

At the same time, depending on the patient’s condition, the doctor may recommend open surgery or laparoscopic surgery.

In addition, chemotherapy is a method of using drugs to destroy ovarian cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often prescribed for patients with advanced ovarian cancer or to help remove the remaining cancer cells after surgery.

Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. This method can lead to some side effects such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, etc. Side effects usually depend on the dose and the area of ​​the body being irradiated.

Thank you doctor!