Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor of epithelial origin. The main function of the ovaries is the production of female sex hormones (progesterone and estrogen), as well as the maturation and release of eggs.
Causes
The most likely causes of ovarian cancer include:
- Age of the woman over 50 years
- No childbirth
- Irregular sexual life
- A family history of ovarian cancer in mother, grandmother, sister, or aunt
- A history of breast or colorectal cancer in the patient
- Long-term use of hormonal contraceptive therapy by the patient.
Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer in Israel
For effective treatment, it is essential to detect the disease as early as possible, while it is still in the early stages. Therefore, it is important to know the stage of ovarian cancer at the time of detection:
- The pathological process does not extend beyond the organ. Typically, both ovaries are affected. The end of the first stage is characterized by ascites (free fluid in the abdominal cavity) and tumor growth on the surface of the organ.
- Spread of the tumor process beyond the organ. At this stage, pelvic organs may be affected.
- A serious stage of disease development. The affected ovaries begin to metastasize to other organs in the abdominal cavity and adjacent lymph nodes.
- Metastases can be detected even in distant parts of the body from the pathological process.
This type of cancer often masks its symptoms as gastrointestinal or urinary tract diseases at the very beginning of manifestation. However, there are several symptoms that distinguish it:
- Menstrual cycle irregularities
- Feeling of abdominal bloating, as after overeating
- Dyspeptic phenomena
- Dull pain closer to the lower abdomen
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Constipation.
At the leading clinic in Israel, Ichilov, the patient will undergo a series of advanced diagnostic procedures to verify the diagnosis of ovarian cancer:
- Standard gynecological examination
- Transvaginal ultrasound, as well as examination of the pelvic organs
- Biopsy
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
In addition to taking the medical history, detailed consultations with leading specialists in gynecology, oncology, and anesthesiology are conducted at the Ichilov clinic. Psychological consultations are also provided to the woman to support her emotional health.
Treatment of Ovarian Cancer in Israel
The choice of treatment strategy directly depends on the stage at which the disease was diagnosed:
- In early stages. Depending on the severity of organ involvement, during a surgical procedure called hysterectomy, both ovaries may be removed along with the fallopian tubes and part of the omentum. If one ovary is affected, it is removed along with the uterine tube.
- In late stages. Typically, bilateral removal of the appendages is required. If the tumor has spread to the intestine, resection of the affected part may be necessary.
Thanks to the collaboration of the gynecologic oncologist and plastic surgeon, each woman is ensured quality treatment and restoration of lost vaginal functions.
After surgery, the patient will continue ovarian cancer treatment in Israel with a course of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy involves the individual selection of very potent drugs that can eliminate malignant cells remaining after surgical intervention. At the Ichilov clinic, chemotherapy is planned in cycles – after taking the drugs for several days, a break of several weeks is taken. Then the cycle is repeated several times (the number of cycles depends on the severity of the tumor).
To consolidate the treatment results, radiation therapy is indicated, which is conducted for 10-15 minutes 5 days a week for 2-5 weeks. Its goal, like that of chemotherapy, is to prevent the malignant cells from recurring.