A malignant tumor called ovarian cancer develops when a woman's ovaries, which are her reproductive organs and source of hormones like progesterone and estrogen, are affected. It's frequently called the "silent killer" since symptoms could not appear until the illness has gone to a more advanced stage. This increases the difficulty of early detection and adds to the high death rate. Although the precise etiology of ovarian cancer is unknown, a number of variables raise the illness's risk. A family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited genetic abnormalities (such BRCA1 and BRCA2), advanced age, endometriosis, obesity, infertility, and hormone replacement therapy are a few of these. Ovarian cancer symptoms might be hazy and readily confused with those of other illnesses. These could be symptoms like bloating or swelling in the abdomen, pelvic pain or discomfort, frequent urination, feeling full immediately after eating, altered bowel habits, exhaustion, and unexplained weight gain or loss. Sadly, these symptoms are frequently non-specific and might not require emergency care. A combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, imaging tests (CT or ultrasound), and blood tests measuring tumor markers (such CA-125) are often used in the diagnosis process. These markers can be raised in illnesses other than ovarian cancer, so they are not always indicative of the disease. Surgery to remove the tumor, frequently together with the afflicted ovary and surrounding tissues, is the cornerstone of treatment for ovarian cancer. Chemotherapy may be used after surgery in more advanced situations to target any cancer cells that may still be present. The particular strategy is determined by a number of variables, including the cancer's stage, the patient's general health, and their wish to become pregnant in the future. Depending on the stage at which the cancer is discovered and treated, the prognosis can vary significantly. Long-term survival and the likelihood of a successful course of therapy are greatly increased by early identification. However, many cases are detected at more advanced stages when the disease has migrated outside of the ovaries, as early signs are frequently absent or mild. Better screening techniques, targeted treatments, and immunotherapies are all being researched to further our understanding of ovarian cancer and enhance patient outcomes. Furthermore, increasing early identification and lowering death rates depend heavily on continued efforts to increase public knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of ovarian cancer.
