Ovarian cancer refers to cancer cells growing in the ovaries. Previously, ovarian cancer was believed to begin only in the ovaries but recent researches say that many ovarian cancers may begin in the cells in the far end of the fallopian tube. If left untreated then it can spread to the other parts of the body which is metastatic ovarian cancer. Hence, ovarian cancer treatment becomes necessary. Medical Facilitators help you find the fitting hospital for your treatment.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
The ovaries consist of three types of cells. Each cell can amplify into a distinctive type of tumor. Epithelial tumor forms in the layer of tissue that is outside the ovaries. 90% of ovarian cancers are epithelial tumors. Stromal tumors grow in the hormone-producing cells. 7% of ovarian cancers are stromal tumors. Germ cell tumors develop in the egg-producing cells. Germ cell tumors are rare.
Treatments
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your doctor will suggest some appropriate treatment to cure you. Often you will have choices of several treatments at the same time. Here are some of the treatments you can undergo for ovarian cancer:
1. Surgery
This is usually the first step. It is done by taking out a piece of the mass to ensure that it is cancer. Doctors call this a biopsy. Surgery helps ‘stage’ cancer to see how far it has spread. Once there is confirmation of the presence of cancer, the doctor will take out as much of the tumor as possible.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. It usually stops the cancer cells from growing, dividing, and making more cells. A chemotherapy schedule typically consists of a specific number of cycles over a period of time. A patient may receive one drug at a time or a combination of different drugs given at the same time.
3. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy or biologic therapy helps to boost the body’s natural immune system to fight cancer. So, it uses materials either by the body or in a laboratory to improve, target, or restore immune system function. Also, it can be given locally or throughout the body.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a procedure that targets cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. This type of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy cells.
5. Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer. Usage is possible if cancer has come back after treatment or to help control the pain.
Finally, your outlook depends on a number of factors which includes the stage of cancer at diagnosis, overall health and how well you respond to the treatment. Although every cancer is unique, the stage of the cancer is the most important indicator of outlook. Scientists are researching on finding more improved and reliable ways to detect ovarian cancer at a very early stage.