Symptoms and diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Symptoms and diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Among cancers affecting the female population, ovarian cancer is considered one of the most dangerous because it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Ovarian cancer ranks tenth in incidence in the ranking of female cancers and accounts for 30% of all malignant tumors affecting the female genital system; each year this cancer is diagnosed in about 1 in 74 women. 1
The ovaries are the organs responsible for the production of female sex hormones and oocytes, which are the female gametes (reproductive cells). If the cells of the ovary begin to be produced in an altered and uncontrolled manner, a cancerous form may arise.
Ovarian cancer can originate from alterations at the level of several cells, such as:
- epithelial cells. Epithelial tumors account for 90% of all ovarian cancers and originate from the cells lining the structure;
- germ cells. Tumors affecting the gametes occur in about 5% of cases;
- stromal cells. Such tumors account for about 4%, and the cells that undergo cancer mutation are those that form the supporting tissue of the ovary. 2
In general, it is estimated that 50% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are over 60 years of age. However, different types of ovarian cancer have different incidences depending on the age of the woman.
Germ cell and stromal tumors are more common in young women under 20 years old, accounting for 40 to 60 percent of ovarian cancer cases in youth. Epithelial cancers, on the other hand, affect both women of reproductive age and older women. 3
The main risk factors that increase the likelihood of occurrence of this cancer are attributable to hormonal patterning and environmental factors; in addition, a familial predisposition due to heritable genetic mutations has also been found. Such mutations affect the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and, in women of advanced age (over 70 years), carry a 20 to 60 percent risk of contracting ovarian cancer.
It is estimated that 90 percent of ovarian cancer cases are sporadic forms anyway, while hereditary forms due to genetic mutations would be 10 percent of cases. 3
What makes ovarian cancer particularly dangerous is its absence of symptoms. In fact, it is also called “the silent tumor”; this is because its symptoms become evident only in advanced stages of the disease. In fact, many of the symptoms of this cancer are no different from common everyday ailments and are therefore frequently underestimated.
Experts recommend keeping an eye on complaints such as bloating of the abdomen, aerophagia, frequent urge to urinate and sudden weight loss. These symptoms, if present continuously and for long periods of time, could be a wake-up call.
Early detection of ovarian cancer can greatly improve the success rate of treatment and cure: women who detect ovarian cancer when it is in its earliest stage have a five-year survival rate from diagnosis of 90 percent. 4
Screening strategies for early detection of this cancer are based on periodic checkups by the gynecologist, who will perform a general examination and transvaginal ultrasound. If these examinations show the presence of ovarian abnormalities and masses, usually the specialist will recommend undergoing an MRI examination and analyze for the presence of possible tumor markers in the blood.
There are also genetic tests to assess the presence of predisposing mutations at the level of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which can be included in one’s ovarian cancer screening and prevention pathway. These genes, if mutated, can lead to an increased risk of occurrence of both ovarian and breast cancer: detecting the presence of a predisposing mutation in these genes, does not necessarily imply the presence of cancer but will help to define, together with a specialist in medical genetics, a targeted and early prevention strategy to anticipate or detect early the possible cancer.
With the advice of a specialist, an effective screening and prevention course can be established.
