The screening for ovarian cancer

The screening for ovarian cancer

 

Ovarian cancer is an unfortunate occurrence in Thailand, with a rate of 6.6 cases per 100,000 women. It affects approximately 1 in 70 women and ranks as the 6th most common cancer among Thai women (1).

 

Screening for ovarian cancer involves internal examinations and ultrasound scans, along with testing for cancer markers such as CA-125, CA19-9, and HE-4. It is recommended to undergo these screenings annually.

 

There are several risk factors associated with ovarian cancer, including advancing age, a history of breast cancer, smoking, nulliparity, infertility, endometriosis, menstrual pain, early onset of menstruation, late onset of menopause, a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, and individuals with genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 (2).

 

Since ovarian cancer often presents with minimal symptoms, such as frequent urination, constipation, bloating, and abdominal discomfort, the diagnosis is often made at an advanced stage when fluid accumulation in the abdomen becomes apparent. Therefore, screening for ovarian cancer is of utmost importance.

 

Ovarian cancer has four stages, namely:

 

Stage 1: Cancer is confined to the ovaries without evidence of spreading to the abdominal cavity or the lesser sac.

 

Stage 2: Cancer has spread to the fallopian tubes and organs within the abdominal cavity.

 

Stage 3: Cancer has spread to the abdominal cavity, the peritoneal lining, the outer surface of the small intestine, the omentum, and the lymph nodes surrounding major blood vessels in the abdomen.

 

Stage 4: Cancer has spread to distant organs outside the abdominal cavity, such as the lungs, brain, liver, and cervical lymph nodes.

 

The treatment options for ovarian cancer include surgical intervention, targeted therapy using specific drugs, and chemotherapy. Early detection of the disease in the initial stages increases the chances of successful treatment compared to the later stages.

 

For more information, please contact the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, located on the second floor of Building 2.

 

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https://www.vibhavadi.com/Center/Clinics/id/02