Ovarian Cancer: Silent Threat and Treatment Options

Ovarian cancer, often referred to as the “silent killer,” poses a significant threat to women’s health, as it frequently goes unnoticed in its early stages. However, advancements in its management have improved outcomes. Dr. Monika Pansari, HOD and Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist, emphasized the growing concern about ovarian cancer in India, where it ranks as the third most common gynecological cancer.

Recognizing the Silent Threat: Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Dr. Pansari outlined five symptoms to watch out for in the early detection of ovarian cancer:

1. Abdominal Bloating: Persistent and unexplained bloating, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness.
2. Pelvic or Abdominal Pain: Chronic pain or discomfort in the pelvic or abdominal region.
3. Difficulty Eating: Trouble eating or feeling full quickly, even when consuming small portions.
4. Frequent Urination: Increased urgency to urinate or changes in bowel habits.
5. Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue that does not improve with rest.

Understanding Ovarian Cancer Treatment Modalities Early detection is crucial for successful ovarian cancer treatment, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Two vital components of managing ovarian cancer are:

1. Cytoreduction Surgery: This surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible, reducing the tumor burden, alleviating symptoms, and providing tissue samples for accurate diagnosis and staging.
2. HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy): HIPEC follows cytoreduction surgery, involving the circulation of a heated chemotherapy solution throughout the abdominal cavity. This localized treatment enhances the chemotherapy’s effectiveness and targets any remaining cancer cells that may have been missed during surgery.

The Importance of Early Detection and Timely Consultation While surgery and HIPEC are essential in ovarian cancer treatment, early detection and prevention are equally vital. Dr. Pansari stressed the importance of regular check-ups, symptom awareness, and timely consultation with a cancer specialist. Early detection increases the chances of a successful outcome, as ovarian cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages, making treatment more challenging.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times