Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Indore

Ovarian Cancer Management- Overview.

Ovarian cancer is a cancerous lesion that grows in the ovaries, as the reproductive glands that create eggs and female hormones. It is said to be a silent cancer in that the initial stages of ovarian cancer are not associated with significant symptoms, hence it is difficult to detect early. Treatment aims to eliminate and kill cancer cells and curb the recurrence, and add value to life.

🔹 Types of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer depends on the cell type, which gives rise to it:

Epithelial tumours (most common) - these are formed on the surface of the ovary.

Germ cell tumours- arise due to the egg-producing cells, which are more prevalent in younger women.

Stromal tumour- It grows in the hormone-producing cells of the ovary.

Rare forms - contain small cell carcinoma and metastatic tumour.

🔹 Risk Factors

Age (most cases after menopause) Over 50.

Ovarian, breast and colon family history.

Genetic mutations: BRCA1, BRCA2, Lynch syndrome.

The use of hormone replacement therapy or infertility therapy.

It is caused by endometriosis or some historical factors of reproduction.

🔹 Symptoms

Symptoms include type of early symptoms, and again, they can be vague:

An intestinal distention or swelling in the abdomen.

Pelvic or abdominal pain

Fullness with food or eating problems.

Urgent or acute frequency or urgency of the urine.

Loss of weight and/or fatigue of an unexplained nature.

Menstrual irregularities

Back pain

Advanced ovarian cancer can lead to swelling, abdominal fluid (ascites) or gastrointestinal symptoms.

🔹 Diagnosis

Diagnosis will include a clinical examination, imaging and laboratory tests:

Pelvic examination

Ultrasound, CT scan or MRI- to determine the size and dissemination of the tumour.

Blood tests for CA-125 and other tumour markers.

Biopsy or surgical specimen- determines the type and stage of cancer.

Genetic testing- determines points of mutation as a treatment target.

🔹 Treatment Options

Treatment is based on the cancer type, stage, age of the patient, and his health. The vast majority of patients undergo multimodal therapy, which is the combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and in some cases, targeted or immunotherapy.

1. Surgery

Initial therapy of the majority of ovarian cancers.

Debulking surgery involves the removal of the maximum volume of tumour, usually one or both ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and surrounding tissue.

The fertility of young women with non-metastatic tumours can be preserved.

2. Chemotherapy

Takes anti-cancer treatment to eliminate survivors of the cancerous cells.

May be adjuvant (when the tumours have already been removed), or neoadjuvant (when the tumours are being reduced).

Widely used drugs: Cisplatin, Carboplatin, and Paclitaxel.

3. Targeted Therapy

Target-directed drugs that target molecules that are found in cancer cells.

Clinical examples: Bevacizumab (anti-VEGF), BRCA-positive cancer PARP inhibitors.

Lessens the chance of recurrence and enhances the survival of the advanced cases.

4. Radiation Therapy

Rarely used, but can be used to treat particular areas of tumour.

Primarily applied in the palliative treatment of severe cases.

5. Immunotherapy

Increases the immune system to combat cancer cells.

Experimental/used in recurrent ovarian cancer clinical trials.

6. Palliative Care and Supportive Care.

Pain and symptom management

Nutrition and counselling rehabilitation.

Patients and family psychosocial support.

🔹 Prognosis

The survival rates of early-stage ovarian cancer (within the ovary) are high (more than 90 per cent 5-year survival).

The disease at the advanced stages necessitates harsh treatment, and the 5-year survival is considerably lower.

Follow-up and recurrence of the condition should be monitored regularly.

🔹 Reasons to go to Specialised Cancer Centres.

Multidisciplinary care: gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists and surgeons.

Modern imaging and laboratory services are used to make a proper diagnosis.

Availability of therapeutic agents of interest, PARP inhibitors and clinical trials.

Development of individualised therapy programs depending on tumour genetics and the health of the patient.

Preventive Measures and Awareness.

High-risk family genetic counselling.

Symptomatic and risk factor-based imaging and pelvic examination among women.

Fitness and knowledge of early warning.

HPV vaccination (thought to be against cervical cancer, but the coverage is for general gynaecological risk)