Ovarian cancer

Question 1

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Answer 1

Epithelial ovarian cancer: The most common type, accounting for about 90% of ovarian cancers.

Germ cell tumors: Rare tumors that develop from the cells that produce eggs.

Stromal tumors: Tumors that form in the connective tissue cells that hold the ovaries together and produce hormones.

Question 2

Causes of Ovarian Cancer

Answer 2

Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
Genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
Age (risk increases with age)
Hormonal factors, including early onset of menstruation or late menopause
Obesity
Endometriosis
Use of hormone replacement therapy
Postmenopausal age
Heredetary nonpolyposis coli.

Question 3

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Answer 3

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Changes in bowel habits
Urinary urgency or frequency
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss or gain

Question 4

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

Answer 4

Pelvic examination: A physical examination to check for any abnormalities in the pelvis.

Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize the ovaries and surrounding structures.

Blood tests: CA-125 blood test to measure a tumor marker often elevated in ovarian cancer.

Biopsy: Tissue sample collection for pathological analysis to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Question 5

Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Answer 5

-Stage I:

○Surgery: The primary treatment is surgical removal of the tumor, which may involve a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes), and removal of any visible tumor implants.

○Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells.

-Stage II and beyond:

○Surgery: In addition to the surgical procedures mentioned above, debulking surgery may be performed to remove as much tumor mass as possible.

○Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the main treatment for advanced-stage ovarian cancer.
The specific chemotherapy regimen typically includes a combination of platinum-based drugs (such as cisplatin or carboplatin) and a taxane drug (such as paclitaxel).

○Radiation therapy is not commonly used as a primary treatment for ovarian cancer but may be used in certain cases to target specific areas, such as the pelvis, to help control symptoms or reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

○Targeted therapy is a newer approach in the treatment of ovarian cancer, primarily for advanced-stage cases. It involves using medications that specifically target certain molecular markers or pathways involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Some targeted therapies approved for ovarian cancer include:

■PARP inhibitors: Olaparib, niraparib, and rucaparib are examples of PARP inhibitors that may be used in patients with specific genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. (Prevent cancer cells from repairing DNA damage, leading to cell death.)

■Bevacizumab: This targeted therapy is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), which is essential for tumor growth.

Question 6

Complications of Ovarian Cancer

Answer 6

Cancer recurrence
Spread to other organs
Side effects of treatment: Fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and increased risk of infections.