Ovarian Cancer

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer occurs when cells within an ovary begin to multiply and form a tumor rapidly. The condition is more common in white women over the age of 63, but it can show up in younger women and women of any race.

If left untreated, ovarian cancer can spread to other areas of the body. The American Cancer Society predicts that more than 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in 2019 and that nearly 14,000 women will die of the disease.

Fortunately, treatment is available. Dr. Sankhala and his team offer personalized care for women with ovarian cancer in a compassionate and supportive environment.

What are some signs of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer does not always present clear, consistent symptoms. When symptoms are present, they often come and go and are easily overlooked.

Some things to keep an eye out for include:

• A sensation of unusual fullness after eating
• Abdominal pain, bloating, or pressure
• Increased need to urinate
• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Back pain
• Changes in menstrual bleeding
• Pain during intercourse
• Indigestion

As you can see, these symptoms don’t tie back to a clear cause and could easily be mistaken for a less serious condition.

What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?

Certain factors increase your chances of developing ovarian cancer. Knowing your risk level helps you make better decisions about routine health screenings.

Some facts known to increase your risk of ovarian cancer include:

• A family history of ovarian cancer
• Endometriosis
• No history of pregnancy
• Obesity
• Genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2
• Personal history of uterine, colon, or breast cancer

Your risk level also rises as your age. Most ovarian cancer cases develop in the years following menopause.

How is ovarian cancer treated?

Your treatment will depend on the stage of your cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences. Surgery is a common option, and there are several different approaches to consider. If there are no signs the cancer has spread and it’s caught in its early stages, it might be possible to remove the affected ovary surgically.

Often, however, additional tissues must be removed to increase the chance of catching all cancerous cells. A hysterectomy — surgical removal of the uterus — is a common treatment. In some cases, both ovaries, your fallopian tubes, surrounding lymph nodes, and other tissues are removed along with your uterus.

Dr. Sankhala and his team provide a variety of nonsurgical treatments that include conventional and innovative solutions. Depending on your situation, he may recommend clinical trials involving next-generation drug treatments for ovarian cancer.

Chemotherapy, radiation, and the use of biological agents are also potential treatments. These therapies work by destroying or harming cancer cells while trying to preserve as many healthy cells as possible.

To learn more about diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer, call Kamlesh Kumar Sankhala, MD, at NextGen Oncology today or book your appointment online.