Understanding Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, And Prevention

As a doctor, I’ve had countless conversations with women about their health, and few topics are as crucial, yet often misunderstood, as ovarian cancer. Many people still refer to it as the “silent killer,” which suggests it has no symptoms. 

I want to tell you today, based on real-world medical knowledge and my years of experience as a surgical oncologist , that while the symptoms can be subtle, they are absolutely present, and knowing what to look for is your greatest defense.

The Subtle Signs: More Than Just ‘Bloating’

Ovarian cancer is a disease where malignant cells—that is, cancerous cells—begin to form in the ovaries, which are the small reproductive organs deep within the pelvis. 

The difficulty in early detection stems from the ovaries’ tucked-away location and the fact that initial symptoms often mimic common, everyday problems like indigestion or premenstrual syndrome. 

But we’ve learned to recognize a specific pattern, and I want you to remember the key persistent signs—the BEAT symptoms:

• Bloating that is persistent and severe, feeling like your abdomen is constantly distended.
• Eating difficulty or feeling full very quickly, even after small meals.
• Abdominal or pelvic pain, a constant discomfort or pressure that just doesn’t go away.
• Toilet changes, specifically a frequent or urgent need to urinate, or persistent, unexplained constipation or diarrhea.

If you experience these symptoms almost daily for three weeks or more, please, do not simply try to manage them with diet changes or over-the-counter medicine. It is vital to seek medical advice promptly. Early detection, even when challenging, significantly improves outcomes.

Who is at Risk? Understanding Your Genetic Blueprint

One of the most powerful insights we have gained in modern oncology is the role of genetics. While the cause of ovarian cancer is often unknown, a significant factor for many women is an inherited risk. 

If you have a strong family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer, you might have an inherited gene mutation, most notably in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes, when functioning normally, help repair damaged DNA, but a mutation means this repair system is flawed, increasing cancer risk. 

Genetic counseling and testing are essential tools in my practice, especially for women in the Pune area who are aware of a family history.

Other factors also play a role, including increasing age, a history of endometriosis (where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus), and simply never having been pregnant. Understanding your personal risk profile is the first step toward proactive health management.

Finding Answers: The Diagnostic Path

If a patient presents with persistent symptoms, my approach is comprehensive. We start with a thorough physical examination and detailed medical history. Then, we move to diagnostic tools.

• Imaging: We use a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) to get a clear picture of the ovaries and pelvis. This can be followed by a CT or MRI scan to check the entire abdomen and chest.
   
• Blood Work: We often check the level of a protein called CA-125 in the blood. While an elevated level can be a red flag, it’s important to know that high CA-125 can also occur in non-cancerous conditions like endometriosis or fibroids. Therefore, we use this test in combination with imaging, not in isolation.
   
• The Definitive Step: Ultimately, the only way to confirm an ovarian cancer diagnosis and determine its type and extent is through a biopsy or surgery.

Treatment: Precision and Compassion

When cancer is confirmed, the treatment plan becomes a personalized strategy, often requiring a multidisciplinary team. 

Our goal during this procedure, which we call cytoreduction or debulking, is to remove all visible cancer.

Achieving an optimal debulking, where all macroscopic (visible) disease is removed, is one of the strongest predictors of a positive long-term outcome.

Following surgery, the majority of patients will receive chemotherapy, which uses powerful drugs to destroy any remaining cancer cells throughout the body.

Sometimes, in advanced cases, we administer chemotherapy before the surgery, called neoadjuvant chemotherapy, to shrink the tumors and make the operation safer and more successful.

Newer treatments are also offering incredible hope. Targeted therapies, like PARP Inhibitors, are a major advance.

These oral medications work by blocking specific mechanisms in the cancer cells, often used as maintenance therapy to keep the cancer from returning after initial treatment. 

For select patients, we may also utilize HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy), where a heated chemotherapy solution is delivered directly into the abdomen during surgery — a complex procedure that requires the expertise of a specialized Cancer Specialist in Pune.

Proactive Steps for Wellness and Prevention

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, there are scientifically proven ways to reduce your risk, especially if you carry a gene mutation. For high-risk women, risk-reducing surgery—the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes—is a highly effective preventive measure. 

For the general population, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and discussing the risks and benefits of oral contraceptives with your gynecologist are practical steps.

My dedication as a doctor is to providing you with the highest standard of care, ensuring that every treatment decision is based on the latest scientific evidence and tailored to your unique needs. We are here not just to treat the disease, but to support the whole person through their journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Are there routine screening tests for ovarian cancer like there are for breast or cervical cancer?

A. No, unfortunately, there is currently no single, reliable screening test for ovarian cancer for the general population. The Pap test screens for cervical cancer, not ovarian. For high-risk individuals (e.g., with BRCA mutations), doctors may recommend close surveillance with transvaginal ultrasound and the CA-125 blood test, but these are detection tools, not true screening.

Q2. How long does the treatment process (surgery and chemotherapy) typically take for ovarian cancer?

A. The timeline varies greatly depending on the stage and grade of the cancer. A debulking surgery can take several hours, followed by a hospital stay. Chemotherapy is typically administered in cycles, often spanning 3 to 6 months in total, with follow-up maintenance therapy potentially lasting longer.

Q3. Does having a hysterectomy automatically reduce my risk of ovarian cancer?

A. While a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) alone does not remove the ovaries or fallopian tubes, research suggests that removing the fallopian tubes at the time of a hysterectomy may reduce the risk of the most common type of ovarian cancer, as many originate in the fallopian tubes.

Q4. What is the role of a gynecologic oncologist in ovarian cancer treatment?

A. A gynecologic oncologist is a specialist in cancers of the female reproductive system. Studies show that patients treated by a gynecologic oncologist, who is essentially a highly specialized Onco Surgeon in Pune, have better outcomes, as they have the expertise to perform complex debulking surgeries.

Q5. Can stress or diet directly cause ovarian cancer?

A. No, current scientific evidence does not support stress or a specific diet as a direct cause of ovarian cancer. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and managing stress, is crucial for overall health and can help a person’s body cope better during and after treatment. 

Conclusion

Understanding ovarian cancer is not about fear; it’s about empowerment. Knowing the subtle symptoms and your personal risk factors are your greatest tools for protection. 

We have advanced our understanding and treatment options significantly, transforming the outlook for many women. Hope and excellent care are accessible right here in Pune.

Don’t wait—take proactive control of your health today.

Contact the clinic of Dr. Chirag Bhirud, a leading surgical oncologist in Pune, to discuss your risk or symptoms and explore personalized care options.