Ovarian cancer is a kind of cancer that starts in the ovaries. The female reproductive system has two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. These produce ova and other female reproductive hormones, like progesterone and estrogen. Usually, ovarian cancer goes undetected until it has spread within the abdomen and pelvis. In the later stages, cancer is often challenging to treat. 

In this article, we will discuss the detection and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Detection and diagnosis
Treating ovarian cancer is easier when the diagnosis is made in the early stages. However, in reality, an ovarian cancer diagnosis is not easy. The ovaries are located deep into the abdominal cavity. So, feeling a tumor is quite unlikely. Unfortunately, there is also no routine diagnostic screening available to cure ovarian cancer. Thus, it is vital to report any unusual or persistent symptoms to your doctor.

Pelvic exam
If the doctor suspects cancer during a physical examination, they will perform a pelvic exam. It can help discover some irregularities. However, if the tumor is small, it may be difficult to detect it. Nevertheless, when the tumor grows, it starts pressing against the rectum and bladder. This is when it is easier to detect irregularities during the rectovaginal pelvic examination. 

In addition to the pelvic exam, the doctor might also recommend a few other tests.

1. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS)
It is an imaging test, which helps the doctors determine if the tumor is cancerous. 

2. Pelvic and abdominal CT scan
In people allergic to dye, the doctor will recommend a pelvic MRI scan. 

3. Blood tests
The blood tests are performed to gauge the cancer antigen 125 levels. 

4. Biopsy
It involves removing a tiny tissue sample from the ovary and studying it under the microscope. This test can confirm the presence of ovarian cancer. 

Treatment
The detection and treatment of ovarian cancer go hand in hand. After the presence of ovarian cancer is confirmed, the doctor will gauge it for the stage and start the treatment. The treatment will involve a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. 

1. Surgery
Surgeries to remove ovarian cancer are of the following four types:

  Surgery to remove a single ovary  
It is performed in the early stages when the cancer is curtailed to only one ovary. It involves the removal of the fallopian tube and ovary.

Surgery to remove both ovaries
When the cancer is in both ovaries but hasn’t spread elsewhere, this procedure is performed. In this, both fallopian tubes are also removed.

Surgery to remove the uterus and both ovaries
This surgery is performed when cancer has advanced, and one is okay with not having conceiving children of their own.

Surgery for advanced cancer
If the cancer is in the advanced stages, the doctor will recommend chemotherapy followed by surgery to eliminate cancer from the body.  

2. Chemotherapy
In this, medicines are used to combat cancerous cells. These medicines can be injected into the vein or may be taken by mouth. This treatment may be used before surgery. 

3. Targeted therapy
It is a treatment measure that uses medications to target the vulnerability in the cancer cells.