ABC’s
of Ovarian Cancer
Ovaries are part of the
women’s reproductive system, which are about
the size of an almond. Ovaries in women produce
the hormones progesterone and estrogen; which
release the eggs and travels from the fallopian
tube to the uterus (womb) where it waits for the
fertilization by the sperms. When a women reaches
menopause, her ovaries doesn’t release eggs
and there is a fall in the hormones levels. Cancers
starts from the cells, which are the building
blocks which are makes the tissues. And these
tissues together make up the organs. Due to various
reasons a cell can undergo various changes; suddenly
these cells undergo an uncontrolled cell division
which can be a benign or malignant tumor. Fortunately
benign tumors are not cancer and rarely they are
life-threatening. Generally most of the benign
tumors can be removed by surgery and they do not
grow back. Cells of benign tumors don’t
spread to other parts of the organs. Malignant
tumors are cancerous and life-threatening. Malignant
tumors can also be removed, but they sometimes
tend to grow back. If the malignant tumors couldn’t
be removed, the patient is administrated with
various anti-cancer drugs and chemotherapy. Malignant
tumors invade and affect the tissues and organs
which are nearby, they even have the tendency
to enter the lymphatic system.
Ovarian cyst will be found on the surface of the
ovary or some times inside it. These cysts contain
fluid and occasionally have solid tissue. Majority
of ovarian cysts are not cancerous, some these
cysts disappear after sometime. If the ovarian
cyst is conferment to be cancerous, then you need
to know that ovarian cancer can invade, and slowly
spread to other tissues and organs. Initially
ovarian cancer spreads into uterus and fallopian
tubes. These cancer cells are known to shed or
break off from the ovarian tumor and enter other
organs. Cancer cells might also spread through
the bloodstream to other important organs such
as lungs and liver. Some of the symptoms include
abdomen, pelvic and back pain, bloated abdomen,
indigestion, nausea, constipation or diarrhea.
Family history of cancer plays an important role
and cancers are known to be hereditary. Women
over 55 years and who have never been pregnant
have great chances of getting this disease. Taking
more plant-based foods, lesser animal products
and regularly exercise are best for women. |
