What is Ovarian Cancer?

It is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the ovaries.

The ovaries are almond-sized organs located on both sides of the uterus in the pelvis. They produce and store eggs, and also produce estrogen and progesterone hormones.

Why Does It Occur? (Risk Factors)

check_circle Genetic predisposition (BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations).
check_circle Family history (ovarian cancer in mother, sister, or daughter).
check_circle Never having given birth or giving birth at a late age.
check_circle Early menstruation or late menopause.

check_circle Being between 55-64 years old.
check_circle Receiving hormone replacement therapy.
check_circle Obesity.
check_circle Endometriosis.

Symptoms

Usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages. In advanced stages, the following may be observed:

• Abdominal bloating and pressure sensation
• Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
• Frequent urination
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Indigestion, gas, or nausea
• Changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss or gain

Diagnosis

Pelvic examination
Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS)
Computed Tomography (CT) or MRI
CA-125 blood test (Elevated levels do not always mean cancer)
Biopsy (For definitive diagnosis)

Staging

Divided into 4 stages according to the spread of the disease:

Stage 1: Cancer is limited to the ovaries only.

Stage 2: Cancer has spread outside the ovaries but is limited within the pelvis.

Stage 3 (Most common stage): Cancer has spread into the abdomen.

Stage 4: Cancer has metastasized to distant organs such as the liver or lungs.

Treatment Methods

medical_services Cytoreductive Surgery + HIPEC (Hot Chemotherapy)

In advanced stage ovarian cancer, the standard treatment has now changed.

Complete removal of the tumor (Cytoreductive Surgery) combined with Hot Chemotherapy (HIPEC) applied inside the abdomen during surgery significantly increases patients' survival time and quality of life. This method aims to destroy microscopic tumor cells that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Systemic Chemotherapy

The aim is to destroy cancer cells throughout the body by administering medication intravenously. It is usually applied after surgery or before surgery to shrink the tumor.

Targeted Therapy (Smart Drugs)

Special drugs are used to inhibit the growth and vascularization of cancer cells (VEGF inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, etc.).

OVARIAN CANCER