Ovarian cancer is a condition that affects the ovaries of a woman. These are two almond-sized reproductive glands on either side of the uterus; they produce eggs and two vital hormones. These are progesterone and estrogen. It occurs when the cells forming the ovaries undergo a sudden genetic change. They begin to grow abnormally and attack the healthy ones. Within a short time, they accumulate to form a tumor that can aggravate further if left untreated.

Dr Matthew Boente is a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology from America with 30 years of experience. He is a graduate of the prestigious Rush Medical College in Illinois, Chicago. He went to Rush Presbyterian Medical Center to complete his residency. His area of expertise is in gynecologic oncology, and he is well-respected as a compassionate doctor for his patients.

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He is a member of several accredited medical boards in the United States, including The American Medical Association, The American Association for Cancer Research, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Gynecology Oncology Group, International Gynecologic Oncology Society, Mid-Atlantic Gynecologic Oncology Society, and the Society of Surgical Oncologists.

What are the causes of ovarian cancer?

He says that most women are not aware of ovarian cancer and how it can affect their quality of life. Doctors are uncertain as to the causes of ovarian cancer. The condition arises in women when cells in their ovaries develop erroneous mutations in their DNA. They start to grow and replicate rapidly to create an abnormal mass known as a tumor. The abnormal cells soon break off from the tumor to spread to tissues of the stomach and pelvis. Most women experience pain or discomfort. They often ignore the condition and do not consult a doctor. This is where cancer becomes worse.

Different types of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer can take the following different forms:

• Epithelialtumors that originate on the tissues covering the outer section of ovaries,

• Stromal tumors that grow within the ovarian tissues containing hormone-producing cells, and
• Germ cell tumors that develop within egg-producing cells of young women.

Diagnosis of ovarian cancer

When it comes to diagnosis, doctors carry out the following procedures to detect the presence of ovarian cancer in women:

• An OVA -1 or CA – 125 blood test,
• Transvaginal ultrasound,
• Pelvic exam,
• Recto-vaginal pelvic exam,
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan,
• Biopsy, or
• A laparotomy or laparoscopy surgery.

Treatment Options

Doctors can resort to any one or more the following procedures to treat ovarian cancer:

• Surgical operation to extract the uterus and both the ovaries,
• Chemotherapy involving the use of cytotoxic medicines to destroy the fast-growing cancer cell in the ovaries, and
• Targeted therapy use drugs to kill specific genes essential for the survival of cancer cells.

Matthew Boente MD sums up by saying ovarian cancer affects the reproductive glands of women. This condition can take the form of epithelial, stromal, or germ cell tumor. Doctors can detect it through blood tests, CT scans, biopsy, pelvic exam, or laparoscopy surgery. Depending on the diagnosis results, doctors can prescribe chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, or a surgical operation. They consider the patient’s age, health, and severity when prescribing these treatments.