What does an enlarged abdomen look like with ovarian cancer. How to recognize the symptoms and signs of ovarian cancer? At this stage, patients

Ovarian cancer is a very dangerous and insidious disease. In women, it is in ninth place in prevalence among other oncological pathologies and ranks fifth in a number of causes leading to the death of patients. Therefore, it is especially important to know how an ailment can manifest itself in order to successfully resist it.

What is the disease and how can it manifest itself

Under ovarian cancer, oncogynecologists mean a whole group malignant tumors, which differ significantly in nature, origin, behavior, etc. All these malignant neoplasms are united by a common feature: they affect the ovaries - paired organs of the female reproductive system in which eggs mature and sex hormones are produced.

Cancer develops from ovarian tissue

The insidiousness of ovarian cancer is that in most cases on early stages development is virtually non-existent. For this reason, about ¾ of patients turn to doctors with a disease at an already advanced stage, when it is much more difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to help them.

According to medical statistics, after 40–45 years, women have a significantly increased risk of developing malignant neoplasms of the ovaries. Before the onset of menopause, in the so-called premenopause, there is a constant decrease in the activity of the ovaries, which gradually reduce the secretion of sex hormones, which leads to a violation of the hormonal balance in the body. This situation sometimes leads to the development of ovarian cancer. After 70-75 years of age, the hormonal "storms" in the body subside, and the incidence of the disease declines.

The first signs of pathology

The very first manifestations of ovarian cancer can be considered such symptoms:

• mild discomfort in the abdomen;
• fast fatiguability;
• feeling of a foreign formation inside the abdomen, especially when changing the position of the body, during defecation and sexual intercourse;
• an increase in the number of leukocytes and an acceleration of ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) during a blood test.

It should be noted that these signs may not mean the presence of this pathology at all, but indicate, for example, the development of an ovarian cyst or internal hemorrhoids, but you should definitely consult a doctor and undergo the necessary examination.

How can the disease manifest itself in later stages

As the malignant tumor grows, it begins to put pressure on neighboring organs, which can no longer go unnoticed. In addition, most neoplasms tend to actively grow into the surrounding tissues, disrupting their structure, and also give distant metastases. As a result, the patient may develop the following symptomatic picture:

• pulling, and over time, sharp pains in the lower abdomen and lower back, aggravated by exertion;
• pain after intercourse;
• uterine bleeding not associated with menstruation;
• ascites - accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, a sign of which is an increase in the abdomen;
• decreased appetite, weight loss;
• weakness, irritability;
• feeling of nausea;
• change in the nature of the stool - constipation or diarrhea;
• subfebrile temperature for no apparent reason or from time to time an unexpected temperature "candle", reaching 38 0 and above;
• an increase in the number of leukocytes and a high ESR indicator in a blood test;
• in the presence of distant metastases, symptoms in the organs where metastasis occurred - cough, bone and headaches, etc.

In ovarian cancer, fluid often accumulates in the abdomen, causing the abdomen to enlarge.

When the pedicle of a cancerous tumor is twisted or when the neoplasm ruptures, the picture " acute abdomen”, characterized by sharp severe pain, accompanied by tension in the abdominal wall. But this is not a specific sign of ovarian cancer - similar signs are present in similar situations with benign neoplasms.

Features of the symptoms of certain types of tumors

As already noted, ovarian cancer refers to a number of malignant neoplasms that have a different structure, character, can develop from different tissues of the ovary, etc. More than ¾ of all tumors are epithelial, that is, formed by cells of the epithelial membrane of this organ. The rest of the ovarian cancer is divided into the following types:

• endometrioid cancer, which combines glandular contents and foci of epithelial tissue;
• papillary adenocarcinoma, developing from ovarian cysts, often growing into the omentum and neighboring organs, but at the same time having a rather favorable prognosis;
• cystic neoplasms with mucinous (mucous), serous and teratoid (viscous) structure;
• mesonephroid or clear cell cancer, which is highly aggressive due to the low differentiation of cancer cells;
• Brenner's cancer, growing from the cells of the stroma (skeleton) of the ovary;
• hormonally active tumors - granulosa cell carcinoma and adenoblastoma;
• secondary neoplasms of the ovaries of a metastatic nature, that is, brought from other organs where the primary tumor is located.

As a rule, all cancerous changes in the ovary in one way or another have similar symptoms, except for neoplasms that have hormonal activity. Their difference lies in the fact that they usually manifest themselves in the early stages of the disease, creating an excess of sex hormones in the body, both female and male, resulting in:

• uterine bleeding;
• menstrual disorders;
• amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) in reproductive age;
• recovery menstrual cycle during the postmenopausal period;
• the development of some male sexual characteristics - coarsening of the voice, hirsutism (active growth hairline on the face and body), a change in the figure according to the male type.

The appearance of hirsutism may indicate the development of a hormonally active ovarian tumor.

Is a relapse possible?

Recurrence of ovarian cancer is possible, as with any type of cancerous lesions of the body. The likelihood of a return of the disease depends on many factors, the main of which are:

• the level of malignancy of the tumor;
• stage of the disease, reflecting the degree of prevalence of the cancer process;
• the effectiveness of the chosen therapy, taking into account the response of the tumor to the effect of cytostatic drugs.

Ability is of great importance immune system suppress micrometastases carried throughout the body by lymph and blood flow.

As a result of vascular metastasis, malignant neoplasms can appear in any organ of the body.

For a warning possible relapse cancer on the second ovary, the probability of which is very high, usually the patient is recommended to remove the affected organ at the same time as the healthy one, and sometimes the uterus - panhysterectomy. If the second ovary was preserved, re-development malignant tumor will have the same symptomatic picture as in the first case.

Recurrence of ovarian cancer can also occur through the development of metastatic neoplasms in other organs - lungs, liver, brain and bone marrow, bones. Depending on the location of the secondary tumor, the symptoms can be quite varied:

• headaches;
• visual and hearing disorders;
• nausea, vomiting;
• bone pain (especially at night);
• obsessive dry or wet cough;
• increase in body temperature;
• loss of strength, poor appetite;
• weight loss.

Basic diagnostic methods

The main task of diagnostics is the differentiation of malignant tumors of the ovaries with various types of cysts, uterine fibromyoma, adnexitis, tuberculosis of the appendages. It should be noted that in the early stages of the disease it is quite difficult to determine the malignant nature of neoplasms and the final diagnosis is made only by analyzing the material removed during the operation.

To establish the diagnosis, the following methods are used:

1. Examination by a gynecologist. The method of palpation of the appendages determines the tumor and the degree of its mobility.
2. Laboratory tests. Clinical Analysis blood allows you to detect deviations of the main blood parameters relative to the reference values ​​- increased leukocytosis, a decrease in the number of platelets, the presence of lymphoblasts and myeloblasts, a decrease in hemoglobin levels and an acceleration of ESR. In addition, an analysis of the level of sex hormones is carried out, which makes it possible to detect hormonally active tumors. A blood test for the CA-125 tumor marker suggests the presence of a malignant process, although a slight increase in the level of this ovarian cancer antigen does not always indicate the presence of a tumor.
3. ultrasound. Ultrasound location of the ovaries provides information about the presence of a tumor and its size. This type of examination also allows you to determine the fluid content of the cyst, the viscous or dense structure of the tumor.
4. PET-CT. This examination combines positron emission and computed tomography and allows you to get detailed information about the nature and location of the tumor, the presence of metastases, the condition of the surrounding tissues. The simultaneous use of PET and CT technologies makes it possible to reduce the time required for the examination.
5. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Examination using radio waves, used instead of x-rays, is used not so much to diagnose an ovarian tumor, but to detect distant metastases, especially in the bones and brain.
6. Laparoscopy. Examination of the abdominal cavity using fiber optics and taking material for biopsy is used in special occasions when it is difficult to make a diagnosis. For example, when papillary growths are detected in a cyst using this method, in some cases histological examination. In addition, laparoscopy can provide information on the degree of tumor growth into neighboring organs - the bladder, intestines, etc. In this case, in addition to the gynecologist, relevant specialists are involved in the operation to remove the tumor: a urologist, a proctologist, and others.

Laparoscopic examination is the examination of the ovaries through small incisions in the abdominal wall using special equipment.

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Medicine knows a lot of diseases called "silent killers", and one of these is ovarian cancer. Absence characteristic symptoms for a long time leads to late treatment of patients for medical care which makes it impossible to help the patient.

Ovarian cancer - what is it?

Ovarian cancer is a fairly common "female" oncopathology. More often, according to various sources, only malignant neoplasms of the body of the uterus and breast are found. The term "ovarian cancer" means a wide group of diseases, the etiological factor of which is the oncological transformation of various cells. Depending on the type of disease, the nature of the course and the prognosis for the life of the patient differ.

The ovaries are covered with epithelium on the outside, and their inner region contains two types of cells - stromal and germinal. The function of the former is the production of sex hormones, while the latter produce eggs.

Any elements are subject to oncotransformation, but in the overwhelming majority of cases, various epithelial cells are reborn and mucinous, glandular, serous or even mixed tumors are formed, as well as some other rare forms. Stromal and germ cell neoplasms are formed much less frequently than epithelial ones.

• According to medical statistics, up to 80% of malignant neoplasms in the ovaries develop from cysts.

This type of cancer is called secondary and is easy to prevent. Knowing about the existing benign tumor, a woman should regularly visit a doctor and keep the development of the disease under control.

Primary ovarian cancer usually comes as a complete surprise. With this form, the focus of oncologically degenerated cells is formed from unchanged, healthy tissue. Most often, the disease has a unilateral localization. In addition, ovarian cancer is metastatic and develops from cells of an already formed malignant tumor of the uterus, breast, stomach, lung, thyroid gland.

Pathology of this type is characterized by rapid progression, the defeat of both ovaries, the active spread of malignant cells into the abdominal cavity.

Causes of ovarian cancer

Unfortunately, doctors still cannot clearly articulate the causes of ovarian cancer - however, some data on this is still available. So, the following categories of women are at risk:

• over 45-50 years old (entered premenopause and menopause);
• obese;
• those who did not give birth or who gave birth late to their first child;
• with early first menstruation before the age of 12;
• with late entry into menopause (after 50 years);
• abandoned breastfeeding or with a short lactation period;
• incorrectly used oral contraceptives;
• unsuccessfully taking drugs to stimulate conception and women with diagnosed infertility;
• suffering;
• long-term estrogen replacement therapy during menopause;
• with a burdened heredity for ovarian and breast cancer;
• having repeatedly carried out abortions;
• with gynecological diseases (cysts, fibroids, adnexitis, etc.).

In addition, do not discount the following causes common to all types of cancer:

• bad habits;
• poor environmental conditions;
• regular contact with carcinogens (asbestos);
• unbalanced diet with a predominance of fats.

It has been established that approximately 10% of all ovarian cancer patients have a hereditary predisposition to it. In other cases, it is believed that the failure occurs against the background of constant ovulation or advanced level estrogen. As you know, pregnancy and lactation stop the maturation of eggs.

For this period, the ovaries are “turned off” from work, and such a rest will reduce the risks of oncological rebirths in the future. This also explains the high predisposition to the disease in women who enter the reproductive phase early and / or with a late menopause.

On the other hand, excessive production of estrogens in case of disturbances in the work of the hypothalamic-pituitary system or uncontrolled intake of them provoke failures in estrogen-sensitive ovarian tissues that can result in cancer.

Stages of ovarian cancer, important symptoms

Depending on how far you've gone pathological process whether other organs are affected, whether the lymph nodes are affected, 4 main stages and several additional ones are distinguished in malignant ovarian tumors.

At the first stage ovarian cancer does not extend beyond one or both ovaries. For substage 1A, only one organ is affected. If foci of degeneration are found in both ovaries, grade 1B is diagnosed. In both cases, tumor cells do not penetrate into the peritoneal fluid, but if this happens, they say from substage 1C. However, other options are also possible:

• the tumor (s) has grown through the ovary, reaching the outer shell;
• there was a rupture of the capsule of the cystic tumor and the outflow of fluid from it.

For stage 2 Ovarian cancer is characterized by the introduction of cancer foci into the pelvic organs. In grade 2A, the uterus and fallopian tubes are affected; in substage 2B, the intestines and bladder are affected.

• Detection of foci of pathology in the pelvic organs and malignant cells in swabs taken from the abdominal cavity is possible at stage 2C.

3 stage ovarian cancer is accompanied by damage to the lymph nodes or the membrane of the peritoneum. Its substages are usually specified during the operation. At stage 3A, metastases are not visible to the naked eye, but examination of peritoneal tissue taken by biopsy reveals cancer cells.

• Distinguishable secondary peritoneal tumors less than 2 cm are indicative of substage 3B. The defeat of the lymph nodes or large (more than 20 mm) metastases in the abdominal cavity are grounds for diagnosing stage 3C.

Stage 4 ovarian cancer (terminal) - the disease affects distant organs. Usually it is the liver, lungs.

Oncology long time does not manifest itself in any way, the first signs of ovarian cancer are very blurred and the disease, in most cases, is detected by chance. The characteristic symptoms of ovarian cancer occur only in the later stages, which significantly complicates the prognosis. According to statistics, 1 or 2 degrees of pathology are diagnosed in only a third of patients.

Another problem is the masking of the disease under other pathologies. The first signs and symptoms that cause ovarian cancer are non-specific and often resemble the manifestations of diseases gastrointestinal tract, urinary system. And they appear already when the process has affected the pelvic organs, the tumor has grown and puts pressure on them.

In women, the following nonspecific symptoms of ovarian cancer are noted:

• bloating;
• fast saturation;
• a feeling of fullness in the abdomen;
• increase in waist circumference;
• heartburn;
• constipation;
• nausea;
• frequent urination;
• urinary retention.

Analyzing these complaints, the doctor often begins treatment for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or urinary tract. As a result, time is lost, and therapy does not bring relief. Women begin to experience new symptoms and signs that are already more characteristic of ovarian cancer:

• pain during intercourse;
• dysfunctional bleeding;
• menstrual irregularities.

In parallel with this, against the background of constant digestive disorders, the patient loses weight, weakness, malaise, and pain appear during the accumulation of gases in the intestines. Intoxication causes rises in body temperature, which are not brought down by antipyretic drugs. Enlargement of lymph nodes leads to compression of the veins, violation venous outflow, thrombosis and edema.

However, characteristics ovarian cancer, which can be seen already in the early stages, occurs with the development of hormone-dependent tumors - adenoblastoma and granulosa cell neoplasm. In the first case, masculinization occurs:

• stopping menstruation;
• growth of facial hair;
• shrinkage of the chest;
• masculine body shape change.

Granulosa cell tumors of the ovaries, on the contrary, are feminizing. Affected girls develop premature puberty, and in menopausal women - the restoration of menstruation.

Effective treatment for ovarian cancer, chemotherapy

The most effective is A complex approach to the treatment of ovarian cancer. In addition to surgery, chemotherapy drugs (chemotherapy) are often used and radiation therapy. The latter is shown only in combination with other methods, since it does not give a pronounced positive effect when administered on its own.

Most often, an extensive operation is performed: the uterus and part of the vagina are cut out, as well as the omentum area. This is done because cancer after removal of only the ovaries in most cases recurs.

However, young women, if possible, try to maintain reproductive function. If one ovary is affected, and the disease is detected at the first stage, a healthy organ is left. Unfortunately, this approach increases the risk of future recurrence.

At stages 3 and 4, partial removal of the tumor is possible, followed by chemotherapy. For this purpose, patients are prescribed cytostatics:

• fluorouracil;
• platinum preparations;
• cyclophosphamide;
• methotrexate;
• taxol.

The drugs of this group are also used as adjuvant therapy, that is, in order to prevent possible recurrence. In some cases, when the patient does not tolerate chemotherapy, it is replaced with radiation.

Modern approach to the treatment of ovarian cancer involves courses of treatment with loading doses of cytostatic drugs for transplantation of autologous bone marrow. In parallel, it may be necessary to transfuse all shaped elements blood, as well as taking hemostatics.

• Some types of tumors may require hormone therapy. Within its framework, testosterone preparations are prescribed to patients.

Immunotherapy is a new way to fight cancer. This method is aimed at "visualizing" the tumor for its own immune cells and activating the immune system. This therapy does not side effects chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Forecast

Despite the fact that early diagnosis ovarian cancer is difficult to detect the disease on early stages development with regular visits to the gynecologist is quite possible. A timely operation guarantees the cure of 80-95% of patients with the first stage of pathology. According to various estimates, from 50 to 70% of patients in the second stage are able to overcome the five-year survival threshold.

Approximate data on how long women with a diagnosis of stage 3 ovarian cancer live also differ: 15 - 50% of them are able to live 5 years. Significantly worsen the prognosis is the migration of tumor cells into the abdominal cavity and developing ascites - the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Patients with such complications survive to 5 years no more often than in 15-25% of cases.

When ovarian cancer has gone too far, and stage 4 has already been diagnosed, it can be quite difficult to answer how long patients live. Everything is determined by the state of health, age, the presence of complications and comorbidities. According to the most optimistic forecasts, no more than 10% of patients will overcome the 5-year survival threshold. History of ascites significantly reduces the survival rate to 1%.

Ovarian cancer on ultrasound: what it looks like, description

Malignant tumors of the ovaries today occupy a leading position among oncological diseases detected in women. Ovarian cancer on ultrasound is quite well visualized, so ultrasound is used as one of the most accurate and available methods recognition and prevention of cancer.

Symptoms of cancer in the early stages are often similar to general ailments, so women do not seek advice from specialists. According to statistics, only a third of patients are diagnosed with a disease based on primary symptoms. Timely detection of the tumor has a positive effect on the chances of survival.

Therefore, it is important for a woman to regularly visit a gynecologist, he will identify any changes and prescribe additional research methods to identify a destructive process.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

The exact causes of ovarian cancer have not yet been determined. scientific world medicine and cause constant controversy. There are conditional risk factors, such as heredity, ecology, or the woman's age.

But often the disease manifests itself regardless of these prerequisites, and becomes the leader in mortality among oncological diseases. reproductive organs. There are many examples of diagnosing a disease in women who do not have risk factors in the environment, as well as the absence of cancer in the most adverse conditions residence.

By the nature of the occurrence of cancer can be:

• primary. The detected tumor is initially defined as a malignant formation;
• secondary. A cancerous tumor develops at the site of the formation of a benign nature;
• metastatic. The tumor appears in the process of cancer growth from another organ.

The bulk cancerous tumors do not have a clear picture of symptoms in the initial stages of development.

The tumor grows without specific differences Therefore, the disease is often diagnosed at a late stage.

Scarcity and mild symptoms lead to the fact that a woman simply does not pay attention to ailments or uses advice from therapeutic forums. One third of patients noticed common features: fatigue, lack of tone, nausea or bloating, so they did not suspect the onset of such a serious illness.

Unfortunately, the detection of cancer in the later stages of development often replenishes the mortality statistics, so it is extremely important to detect the disease in time and start treating it.

Symptoms are characterized by the following changes:

• pain in the lower abdomen of a pulling or aching character;
• weakness and exhaustion, depression, fatigue, appetite disorders;
• increased urination;
• change in the menstrual cycle;
• an increase in the waist and abdomen, the spread of the tumor to the intestines is complemented by indigestion.

Sometimes in the evening, hyperthermia may accompany a woman. The specialist studies all the symptoms and creates a clinical picture of the disease, on the basis of which it is determined additional research and procedures.

A gynecologist can see cancer only with the rapid development of a tumor, this may be accompanied by severe swelling of the abdominal tissues, or if both ovaries are affected by neoplasms.

Ways to detect ovarian cancer

Specialists use several methods for diagnosing malignant tumors:

• blood test for tumor markers;
• laparoscopy;
• CT and MRI.

Ultrasound is considered the simplest and most effective method for detecting malignant pathologies. It detects the tumor at the earliest stage of growth. The study is based on the principle of displaying the echostructure of the analyzed tissues, therefore it can be used for adults and children.

There are three ways to perform an ultrasound:

• transabdominal;
• transrectal;
• transvaginal.

With the help of ultrasound, not only the presence of a tumor itself is determined, but also the size and structure, location, metastasis, and damage to the lymph nodes.

Thanks to ultrasound, relapses are detected in the early stages after invasive interventions, being able to see pathologies up to 1 cm in size. But this is not the only accurate method for detecting the disease, so the specialist establishes the final diagnosis only after the conclusion of an additional type of examination.

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of conducting an up-to-date diagnosis; the success of treatment largely depends on the timeliness of detection of pathology. To date, 80% of cases of tumor detection occur at the stage of metastasis, which greatly affects survival, as well as the effectiveness of treatment in general.

Due to the ability to diagnose early stages of tumor development, the use of surgical interventions or other expensive diagnostic methods is reduced to the necessary minimum. The thoroughness of the study directly affects survival, the choice of the most relevant method of further treatment, the success of the therapy used.

Ovarian ultrasound procedure, decoding for cancer

The pathology of the development of the ovaries is detected during ultrasound of the pelvic organs and the abdominal cavity. Due to the response of tissues to sound waves, the device creates a pattern of organs. So the specialist determines any deviations in shape or size, as well as the location of the reproductive organs.

The most informative diagnostic methods are vaginal and abdominal ultrasound. The abdominal view is characterized by a study through the skin of the abdomen, and the vaginal view is characterized by the introduction of a sensor into the woman's vagina.

The average duration of an ovarian ultrasound procedure is 20-30 minutes, according to the photo on the screen, the specialist evaluates the location of the ovaries, their size and shape, as well as the structure of the organ. AT normal condition they are located on both sides of the uterus, have a certain size (length from 2.5 cm to 4 cm) and structure (fibrous connections, a capsule with follicles).

What does ovarian cancer look like on ultrasound?

There are certain specific markers that indicate the development of the oncological process:

1. Asymmetry and resizing, sometimes the contour of the organ is partially displayed.
2. Women in the postmenopausal period have a neoplasm on the organ, similar in shape to a cyst.
3. The presence of increased vascular network at the site of the neoplasm.
4. In the absence of ovulation, an accumulation of fluid is found behind the wall of the uterus.

Fixing at least one sign during ultrasound requires an appointment additional method observations.

The specialist can monitor the development of the detected marker for 1-2 months.

If several marker signs are detected at the same time during the examination, the woman is immediately sent to an oncologist who will prescribe a diagnosis of the thyroid gland, breast, lymph nodes, kidneys and reproductive organs. This is aimed at detecting metastasis of a malignant tumor.

Types and stages of ovarian cancer

Malignant neoplasms are classified by histology and location.

Description of types of carcinoma:

1. Serous. May affect one or both ovaries at once. The first stage does not cause discomfort to a woman, but is detected during a routine examination by a gynecologist. It is characterized by rapid development, which captures nearby tissues and organs. The tumor is actively metastasizing.
2. Endometrioid. It affects the tissues of the inner surface of the uterus. Often there is a benign nature of the formation of a tumor, but this is found out only with the help of a biopsy. The development of education is slow, so a woman is more likely to be examined on time and carry out the necessary healing procedures. After removal of the tumor, chemotherapy is prescribed; this type of cancer does not respond to radiation.
3. Mucinous. An aggressive type of tumor, diagnosed in 10% of cases of ovarian cancer. Detection and removal at an early stage contributes to a very favorable prognosis. In a neglected form, it can develop to a huge size - 50 cm.
4. Clear cell. An extremely rare form of ovarian cancer, therefore, it is the most poorly understood form of the tumor. It has an aggressive character and quickly metastasizes. Treatment is rarely successful as this type of cancer is very difficult to diagnose on early dates development.

Timely detection of the disease is important in the prevention and treatment of cancer. The success of therapy and the survival of women in general depend on this. Diagnosis of a tumor at an early stage significantly increases the chances of recovery.

Ovarian cancer, like all existing malignant tumors, is conditionally divided into 4 stages of development:

1. First stage. The tumor is located within the organ, characterized by small size. Symptoms are mild, in rare cases, complaints of aching pain in the lower abdomen or in the lower back.

   Often, the first stage of development is detected by chance during ultrasound or CT of the abdominal cavity. Radical surgical intervention at this stage, it becomes the key to lifelong remission for 90% of cases.

2. Second stage. There may be ascites (swelling of the abdominal cavity, which contributes to a visible increase in the abdomen).

   Bleeding, irregular lower back pain may develop. Sometimes there is discomfort during intercourse, problems with the intestines. It is characterized by the spread of the tumor to nearby tissues and organs. Stage 2A means spread to the uterus, appendages or tubes.

   Stage 2B indicates the spread of the tumor to the pelvic organs - the intestine or urinary tract. Stage 2C determines the seeding of cancer cells in the peritoneum.

3. Third stage. Cancer cells enter the lymph nodes and inflammation and seals appear.

   Metastases occur in distant organs, which is greatly facilitated by ascites and seeding with abdominal cancer cells. All signs of the disease become acutely pronounced. The appearance of a woman at the doctor most often occurs at this stage, but metastases significantly worsen the chances of a cure.

   According to statistics, having completely removed the tumor and undergoing chemotherapy, only a third of women live more than 5 years. In the rest of the patients, relapses occur, which in a few months can lead to death.

4. Fourth stage. The tumor reaches its maximum size, metastasis has taken root in distant organs.

   Possible damage to the lungs, stomach, liver, bones, sometimes the brain. Acute pain manifest in any organ of the body, with an increase in the abdomen, the total weight of a woman decreases. There are acute indicators of intoxication of the body with tumor decay products, an increase in body temperature, and disorders of the excretory organs.

   The treatment of this stage is aimed only at alleviating the patient's condition, since medicine can only temporarily delay the development of metastasis.

Until recently, ultrasound was the main type of study to detect ovarian cancer. This imaging method is still relevant today, but now specialists also diagnose using a computer or magnetic resonance tomograph.

Source: http://BolezniKrovi.com/uzi/taza/rak-yaichnika.html

Ovarian cancer: signs, stages and diagnosis of pathology using ultrasound

Ovarian cancer, like any of the oncological diseases, manifests itself asymptomatically and suddenly. It is the most common disease of the female reproductive system. A woman usually finds out that she has such an ailment, usually already when it becomes too late to do anything.

Ovarian ultrasound procedure and decoding for cancer

ultrasound - effective method ovarian cancer diagnosis

Most often, this disease is diagnosed using ultrasound of the pelvic cavity and abdominal cavity. This examination uses special sound waves, with which you can get an image of the organs inside the body. This method really determines where the ovaries, uterus, the fallopian tubes and shows their shape and size.

The most informative are transvaginal and transabdominal types of ultrasound. During a transabdominal ultrasound examination, a specialist conducts a sensor over the area located between the pelvic bones and in the abdomen. The gel is rubbed into the skin in order to make the image of the affected organ clearer.

Transvaginal ultrasound is different in that the sensor is inserted into the vagina of the patient who came to the appointment. Usually such a study is fairly painless, but sometimes a woman may feel a little discomfort. On average, the duration of an ultrasound is 20 to 30 minutes. It all depends on which part of the body will be examined.

During such a study, the specialist determines the structure of the ovaries, their size, and how they are located relative to the uterus.

Normally, they should be on the sides of the uterus. As for the size of the ovaries, they must meet the following parameters (this applies only to patients of reproductive age):

• volume from 5 to 8 cm;
• thickness from 0.1 to 0.2 cm;
• length from 0.25 to 0.4 cm;
• width from 0.15 to 0.3 cm.

Signs of ovarian cancer on ultrasound are diverse. The development of cancer can be suspected using special ultrasound markers:

1. The ovaries are abnormally sized with pronounced asymmetry. In this case, their contour is significantly enlarged and it can only be partially determined.
2. Postmenopausal patients have a formation on the damaged organ, which resembles a cyst or follicle in its shape.
3. The affected area is characterized by increased blood supply.
4. The retrouterine space has a lot of free fluid, the presence of which is in no way associated with ovulation.

If the specialist determines during ultrasound any of the above signs, he will prescribe a special medical observation. It lies in the fact that the doctor will monitor how the ovaries change for 4-8 weeks.

If more than two such signs are revealed, the patient is immediately sent for a consultation with a gynecologist-oncologist. After that, the specialist will prescribe a woman an examination of the thyroid gland, mammary glands, lymph nodes and organs located in the abdominal cavity. All these procedures are necessary in order to identify whether there are metastases in the listed organs.

Causes of ovarian cancer

There is still no exact cause of ovarian cancer, but there are suggestions

The exact causes of this disease are still unknown. But experts name some types of circumstances that can provoke ovarian cancer in women.

These include:

• hormonal factor. Reliable information has long been found that this disease is associated with changes in hormonal levels and the number suffered by a woman childbirth. It is generally accepted that during each ovulation (that is, the release of the egg), ovarian tissue is damaged. After all this, healing begins. During this process, cells are actively dividing. And the more often they do it, the greater the risk that the process will get out of hand.
• Since there is no ovulation during pregnancy, during the reception contraceptives and breastfeeding, it is these factors that help to significantly reduce the risk that a woman will develop ovarian cancer. But as for the first menstruation, which began very early, the presence of one, and not several births, and late menopause, they are risk factors during such diseases.
• This is due to the presence of frequently recurring ovulation. This list also includes infertility in women and prolonged stimulation of ovulation. Appoint a replacement hormone therapy there is meaning in time early menopause. After the onset of 55 years of age, women are not prescribed such treatment.
• hereditary predisposition. A very small percentage of tumor formations is associated with disorders in genetics (approximately 2% of all cases of ovarian cancer).
• There are 3 types of syndromes during which the risk of developing cancer is significantly increased: Lynch syndrome 2, familial ovarian cancer, and familial breast and ovarian cancer. Each of all these syndromes is manifested by cases of cancer of the uterus, breast, ovaries and intestines in women who are the closest relatives (sisters, grandmother or mother). If the family history is unfavorable, then specialists conduct a study of genes that are provocateurs of the appearance of tumor formations on mutations.
• Food addictions. Very often, malignant tumor formations in the ovaries affect women who live in developed industrial countries. The United States of America and Europe are leaders in mortality and morbidity from such an unpleasant disease. At the same time, in some Asian countries and in Japan, the number of women affected by such diseases is much lower. This is due to the fact that patients with ovarian cancer at one time ate a large number of fats. Although most scientists do not believe that such food habits are the cause of this cancer, some still attribute the passion for animal fats to a factor that provokes ovarian cancer.
• Harmful impurities (including asbestos). This risk factor, although it has existed for a long time, is still poorly understood. We are talking about the use of talc for hygienic purposes. Studies have shown that some of the examined women were found particles of talc, which is used in deodorants and powders. This substance is very similar to asbestos, which is considered a trigger for this disease. But the exact results of such studies have not yet been obtained.
• Irradiation of organs located in the small pelvis. In this case, ovarian cancer in women appears if they were treated with other tumors with radiation.

Signs and stages

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Symptoms of the appearance of malignant tumors in the ovaries are quite non-specific. Basically, they are very similar to the clinical picture of gastrointestinal diseases or Bladder. Often, it is for this reason that an incorrect diagnosis is made, and therefore, the wrong treatment is carried out.

Ovarian cancer is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Persistent weakness in a patient.
• Discomfort and pain that are localized in the pelvic region.
• Often bloated and distended abdomen.
• Even after very small portions of food eaten by a woman, she has a feeling as if she had overeaten.
• Constant urge to urinate.
• Decreased or lost appetite in the patient.
• Frequent indigestion of the stomach (in the later stages of such an oncological disease, it becomes chronic).
• Strongly dizzy.
• The woman is often sick.
• The patient begins to quickly gain weight, or vice versa, loses weight dramatically. This does not change the level. physical activity and eating behavior.
• Pain in the lower abdomen and lower back.
• Pain is felt during intercourse.
• The waist increases significantly in its volume.
• Anemia develops in the later stages of ovarian cancer.
• Plus tissue syndrome appears. It is determined only during the examination or special examinations.

Syndrome of pathological secretions. In this case, there are traces in the feces or urine. This symptom is not permanent. It depends only on where the metastases are located and how they are distributed.

More information about ovarian cancer can be found in the video.

Ovarian cancer develops in four stages:

• The first is characterized by the fact that the pathological process can be limited to two or one ovary.
• In the second stage, the tumor spreads to the fallopian tubes and, in fact, to the uterus itself. In addition, other organs that are in the pelvis are affected.
• The third stage is characterized by the development of intra-abdominal metastases. They begin to go beyond the pelvic region, while penetrating the liver and lymph nodes.
• The fourth stage of ovarian cancer is characterized by the presence of distant metastases, which are located in the lungs, liver and other organs of the diseased woman.

Treatment and possible complications

Surgical treatment of ovarian cancer

This disease is treated with surgical methods(Pangisterectomy is performed, that is, removal of the uterus with appendages) combined with radiotherapy and polychemotherapy. If the tumor has a localized form in the first or second stage, then the uterus is removed along with the appendages and the greater omentum is resected.

If the patient is elderly or has a severely weakened condition, then subtotal resection of the greater omentum is performed, as well as supravaginal amputation of the uterus. During such surgical intervention carry out an audit of the paraortal lymph nodes. In addition, a woman with ovarian cancer is referred for a histological examination.

Later stages of this disease (third and fourth) require cytoreductive intervention.

During it, the tumor mass is removed as much as possible, and subsequently chemotherapy is carried out. If the patient has an inoperable tumor, then only a biopsy of the tumor tissue is done.

The greater the stage of such a disease in a woman, the higher the risk of complications. They are relapses. Sometimes a second operation is required.

A multiple tumor may appear, which occurs immediately after the treatment. In this case, the operation is not performed.

Another complication is that new tumor formations may be insensitive to agents previously used in the patient. In this case, they begin to try new combinations of drugs.

Source: http://DiagnozLab.com/analysis/cancer/rak-yaichnika-na-uzi.html

Photo of ovarian cancer - ultrasound

Ovarian cancer is an aggressive and dangerous disease that occurs most often in women of mature age. Radical surgery and chemotherapy can cure ovarian cancer only in cases where cancerous tumor cells have not yet spread through the lymphatic and circulatory systems throughout the body.

Consider photos and images of varieties and stages oncological tumors ovaries.

Ovarian tumors are classified according to the histological structure and localization of malignant processes.

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Serous carcinoma

Serous carcinoma is often bilateral - that is, it affects the left and right ovaries at the same time. At the first stage, this tumor gives almost no symptoms and can be detected during a routine gynecological examination.

Serous carcinoma grows relatively quickly and invades neighboring organs. These tumors cause rapid seeding of the peritoneum and metastasis.

Serous carcinoma

endometrioid

Endometrioid carcinoma, as its name suggests, is associated with the endometrium, the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. Tumors of this type can be benign, but in order to find out, you need to either biopsy the tissues or remove the neoplasm.

The clinical course of tumors of this type is relatively slow, which gives more chances for early detection diseases and successful treatment. After surgical removal Endometrioid malignancies are usually treated with chemotherapy. This type of ovarian cancer is not sensitive to radiation.

Endometrioid carcinoma (type of cells when analyzed for histology)

Mucinous

A mucinous tumor is an aggressive neoplasm - the sooner such a tumor is removed, the more favorable the prognosis will be.

Such tumors occur in 10% of cases of ovarian cancer and can reach large sizes (up to 50 cm). Symptoms of the disease are typical.

Mucinous tumor

clear cell

Clear cell tumors of the ovary are quite rare (in 1-3 cases out of a hundred). Clear cell carcinomas are among the least studied forms of ovarian cancer. These tumors are aggressive and rapidly metastasize.

Treatment outcomes for such a tumor are often unsatisfactory because clear cell carcinomas are rarely diagnosed in the first stage and have an increased chance of recurrence after primary treatment.

Clear cell tumor

stages

ovarian tumors like everyone else oncological diseases, have 4 stages of development.

1 stage

The initial stage proceeds without pronounced symptoms. The tumor does not spread outside the organ and is small in size. There are no cancer cells in body fluids.

Patients do not feel signs of deterioration in health, only in some cases there is discomfort in the lower abdomen or lumbar region. In the first stage, tumors may be detected by chance during an ultrasound or computed tomography internal organs.

Treatment of ovarian tumors in the first stage has the most favorable prognosis. Radical operation(removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and the ovary itself) provides a complete cure (lifelong remission) in 80-90% of all cases.

2 stage

In the second stage, cancer spreads to tissues and organs adjacent to the ovary.

There are three sub-stages:

• 2A in which the tumor spreads to the uterus or fallopian tubes;
• 2B in which the malignant process spreads to other organs of the small pelvis - the bladder, rectal intestine;
• 2C- the spread of cancer cells in the abdominal cavity.

In the second (sometimes third) stage, ascites usually develops - filling the abdominal cavity with fluid, which leads to an increase in the abdomen. There are other signs of the tumor process - pain in the lower back, not yet intense and not constant.

one more characteristic symptom Stage 2 are vaginal bleeding. They may not be related to the menstrual cycle, but in some cases lead to an increase in blood volume during menstruation. Sexual intercourse at this stage also causes pain and bleeding. Tumor growth leads to intestinal disorders - constipation, diarrhea, flatulence.

3 stage

In stage 3, cancer cells enter the lymphatic system and cause lumps and tenderness in the lymph nodes. The process of metastasis to distant organs also begins.

This process is facilitated by ascites and seeding of the abdominal cavity with cancer cells that enter the intraperitoneal fluid due to rupture of the ovary.

All symptoms at this stage (especially pain, bleeding and ascites) become pronounced. Often it is at this stage that women finally turn to the clinic, but due to metastases, the treatment has an unfavorable prognosis with quite low percentage survival.

Only 30% of women after removal of the tumor of the 3rd degree of cancer and subsequent chemotherapy live longer than 5 years. In other cases, relapses occur within a year, which lead to death in a matter of months.

4 stage

At stage 4, the tumor reaches its maximum size and metastasizes to distant organs. The liver, lungs, stomach, bone tissue are affected, less often the brain. At this stage, women experience severe pain that can be localized in any part of the body, and not just in the pelvis and lower back.

Patients experience weight loss with a simultaneous increase in the abdomen, lack of appetite, weakness, fatigue, signs of severe intoxication of the body caused by tumor decay, fever, frequent urge to urinate, and digestive disorders.

Treatment of stage 4 cancer is palliative. Complete cure disease is unlikely - doctors can only temporarily stop the spread of metastases.

ultrasound

Until recently, ultrasound was the main method for diagnosing ovarian cancer. It is still relevant today, but in most modern clinics, along with ultrasound, computed tomography and positron emission tomography are also performed. On ultrasound images, both the tumors themselves and lesions of nearby organs are clearly visible.

ovarian cancer ultrasound

Source: http://rak.hvatit-bolet.ru/vid/rak-jaichnikov/foto-raka-jaichnikov.html

Diagnosis of ovarian cancer: ultrasound, CT, MRI, blood test, tumor markers

Timely diagnosis of ovarian cancer is of great importance for the treatment of the disease. Identification of pathology in the early stages significantly increases the chances of a favorable outcome of treatment.

Cancer cells

Is it possible to detect ovarian cancer in the early stages

Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is difficult. This is due to the fact that the pathology does not manifest itself in any way, so there are severe consequences leading to death.

The only way to detect an ailment at an early stage is a regular visit to a gynecologist-mammologist for the purpose of preventive examination and ultrasound. Pathology is discovered, as a rule, by chance.

Psychosomatics is due to the fact that it is difficult to see a microscopic tumor formation on the ovaries or in the uterus.

A smear taken from the vagina is able to show the presence of a cancer cell, but only at a later date.

Women with an average or high risk of developing cancer processes are screened. Such a study allows you to determine the tumor, but does not recognize its quality.

Signs of the disease

At the very beginning of the development of a malignant neoplasm, ovarian cancer is characterized by the same symptoms as other pathologies of a similar nature.

The disease is characterized by a slow, asymptomatic development process. At that moment, when the appearance of a characteristic clinical picture is noted, the tumor has already developed to the last stage.

If certain signs occur, a woman should immediately consult a doctor. These include:

• pain in the lower abdomen. As a rule, the pain is aching, permanent, and this does not affect the quality of life in the best way;
• the appearance of weakness, fatigue, exhaustion;
• there is a violation of urination;
• appetite disappears, depression suddenly arises;
• when the cancer process spreads to the intestinal area, digestive disorders appear;
• the size of the abdomen increases;
• characterized by menstrual irregularities. The volume of discharges may decrease, or they are infrequent.

In addition, the patient may complain about the occurrence of causeless hyperthermia, characteristic of the evening. Based on the patient's complaints, the doctor prescribes the necessary diagnostic examination.

Diagnostic methods and procedures

Among the main methods and procedures to confirm the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, the following are distinguished:

Rectovaginal examination

In case of suspicion of oncological formation, the doctor performs a rectovaginal examination. Women are wary of this method, mistakenly considering it painful.

The procedure boils down to the fact that the doctor inserts one of the fingers into the vagina, the other into the anus. The purpose of such an examination is to palpate the reproductive system from different angles. In the event that there are formations on the walls separating the vagina from the rectal region, the doctor will feel them.

Ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian cancer

Psychosomatics does not require a procedure special training. A woman should simply be in a relaxed state and not interfere with the actions of a specialist. Additionally, the abdomen is also palpated to determine if fluid has accumulated in the peritoneal region (ascites). This process is often accompanied by ovarian cancer.

ultrasound

An ultrasound examination is an effective method that allows you to establish the state in which the internal organs of the peritoneum are located. Ovarian cancer on ultrasound can be recognized due to the features of the reflection sound signals healthy organs and tumor formations.

Ultrasound helps:

• establish a specific place where the tumor process is localized;
• get information about the size of the tumor;
• detect probable structural changes in the reproductive organs;
• assess the spread of malignancy to nearby tissues.

Method ultrasound diagnostics helps to draw a conclusion about the nature of the neoplasm, the features of its structure are also clearly visible.

A sensor installed on the patient's stomach of a small size sends sound waves that, in contact with the ovaries or other organs, create an echo. The sensor detects such a reflected echo, and then the computer forms these signals into images that are displayed on the monitor.

Transvaginal sonography method

Transvaginal echography is a type of ultrasound examination that boasts the greatest information content. In this case, the doctor inserts the sensor into the vagina itself. Examinations of such a plan help to establish tumor formations of small size.

The advantage of ultrasound is its safety. This method can be used many times without causing any harm to the internal organs.. This technique is by far the most popular and in demand.

However, not in all cases it is possible to obtain a complete picture of the disease from one ultrasound result. There are very neoplasms small size, and it may be impossible to recognize them from the pictures.

Analysis for tumor markers

Those who are concerned about the problem of how ovarian cancer can be detected at an early stage can take a blood test for the CA-125 tumor marker. The CA-125 indicator is a special protein that cancer cells secrete as a waste product. The higher the content of this protein in the blood, the larger the tumor formation.

Thanks to this analysis, it will be possible not only to establish whether there is a tumor, but also to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy. So, for example, if, according to the results of chemotherapy, the amount of CA-125 decreased, then we are talking about positive dynamics therapy.

Important! The presence of the CA-125 protein in the blood may indicate not only the development of a malignant formation, but also the presence of fibrosis, endometriosis, and can be detected in women in position. Therefore, to confirm the diagnosis, one should resort to a number of other diagnostics.

CT scan

CT - diagnostic method modern medicine, thanks to which it is possible to obtain images with transverse sections of tissues of the whole organism. X-rays produce a flat image, while computed tomography produces a three-dimensional image. It is possible to achieve volume due to the many shots.

If the patient has ovarian cancer, then CT helps to see how much the malignant process could spread to nearby organs and tissues.

MRI picture. Cancer

Computed tomography can:

• determine the volume of the tumor;
• whether the liver is affected;
• whether the tumor has spread to the kidneys;
• whether metastases have penetrated into the peritoneum;
• whether there is damage to the bladder;
• affected lymphatic system or not.

Sometimes a contrast tomography is prescribed. Shortly before the examination, a woman should drink a special liquid. The introduction of a similar contrast composition intravenously is allowed. Thanks to such a simple method, a clearer outline of all the structural formations of the body is found.

However, a contrast drink can cause reactions that are manifested by redness. skin, a feeling of heat and allergies in the form of urticaria. In rare cases, more serious manifestations may occur, in the form of shortness of breath, a sharp decrease in blood pressure.

Magnetic resonance imaging

Thanks to the MRI method, it will be possible to obtain an image of the internal organs. An MRI of the ovaries differs from a CT scan in that the scanner first emits radio waves.

The resulting MRI images are computer processed. The image comes out not only transverse, but also longitudinal. Contrast fluid may be injected into the patient to make the MRI images clearer and more detailed.

Magnetic resonance imaging of ovarian cancer

If the doctor has an assumption that a malignant tumor is developing, MRI is rarely used as a diagnostic method.

Biopsy

If ovarian cancer is detected on ultrasound, then a biopsy is additionally prescribed, which allows you to confirm the diagnosis with maximum accuracy.

Two types of specimens can be taken for a biopsy:

• intraperitoneal fluid;
• education tissue.

The last procedure is associated with a great danger associated with the spread of cancer cells in the presence of a malignant formation. Therefore, tissue is taken for biopsy in extremely rare cases.

A biopsy is performed after the tumor has been found and removed.

Diagnostic laparoscopy

In the event that a tumor formation is detected, a laparoscopic examination may be prescribed. The essence of the procedure is to conduct a minimally invasive operation. A pair of punctures are made in the patient's peritoneum, through which a flexible tube is inserted, ending with a miniature camera and a flashlight.

The resulting image of certain areas or organs is displayed on a computer monitor. Thanks to such manipulations, it is possible to obtain information about the stage of cancer, the prevalence of the tumor process and the degree of damage to nearby organs.

This method plays a decisive role in determining the plan for the upcoming operation or, conversely, the impossibility of performing an operative intervention due to the spread of metastases. Through laparoscopy, instruments can also be inserted into the internal cavity to help take tissue samples for analysis.

Ovarian cancer is an insidious disease that can develop in women of any age, even girls. Psychosomatics of oncology is the most difficult. The probability of detecting pathology in the early stages depends on how you feel about your own health, how often you visit the gynecologist's office for a preventive examination.

Ovarian cancer is a common cancer that manifests itself in the initial stages of development. Due to this, the treatment has a positive result in most cases. Timely diagnosis is facilitated by specific early signs pathology.

Ovarian cancer is a malignant pathology in which a replacement tumor develops in the tissues of this organ, consisting of cancer cells and fibrous tissue. Neoplasm in 80% of cases develops in the epithelial layer, and 20% in non-epithelial. The danger of a tumor is that it tends to quickly spread to adjacent tissues and metastasize to distant organs.

What is the organ for?

The ovaries are organs that are part of a woman's reproductive system. In fact, they are endocrine glands, producing sex hormones and eggs. The timely maturation of the egg in the follicle allows a woman to become pregnant, and the normal functioning of the ovaries ensures the bearing of the fetus.

In addition, the overall functioning of many systems of a woman's body depends on the balanced production of hormones. In these organs, not only malignant, but also benign tumor, which also disrupts the functioning of the ovary, but does not go beyond it, which means it does not damage other organs.

Details about histological structure ovaries can be found in this video:

Symptoms

Ovarian cancer, as well as a malignant lesion of the uterus, manifests itself in the early stages of development. But, since these signs are typical for many gynecological diseases, women do not always respond in a timely manner to their appearance.

It is especially difficult to diagnose cancer in the presence of a history of chronic diseases of the uterus. In order not to be late with the detection of a tumor, it is necessary to know exactly the nuances of the symptoms.

Cramps in the abdomen

One of the first symptoms of ovarian damage are spasms. As a rule, they are formed when the tumor compresses the vascular bundle or nerve fibers. Violation of blood circulation leads to poor outflow of blood and increased pressure in the organ, which gives a spasm of the muscle tissue of the uterus. Spasms are periodic and undulating in nature.

They begin with a sharp pain, gradually turning into a dull one. The frequency of spasms will depend on the degree of tumor enlargement.. With its growth, spasms can occur constantly, especially manifesting themselves after a long immobile position. For example, sleep. In the future, spasm appears regardless of the state of the person.

Constant pain in the lower abdomen

Often, a prolonged manifestation of spasm gradually develops into pain that occurs as a result of constant pressure on the nerve fibers. In the beginning, the woman feels only slight discomfort in the lower abdomen, which many describe as sipping.

The localization of discomfort will depend on which ovary is affected. Bilateral pain is most often noted in the later stages, when both ovaries and the body of the uterus are involved in the pathological process. AT given period there is pain without a specific localization, extending to the hypochondrium or epigastric region.

Single pain manifestations indicate the initial stages of tumor growth. Persistent pain that is not relieved by standard pain medications is a sign of advanced stages. strong sharp pain may appear in the early stages, as a result of twisting of the stem of the neoplasm and rupture of its capsule.

Breaking the cycle

The presence of a tumor in the ovary directly affects the mode of the menstrual cycle, which is disturbed due to improper production of hormones. Cancer is characterized by a shortening of the menstrual cycle and an increase in the duration of the menstruation itself. She is becomes painful, with copious discharge of blood.

The duration of one menstruation can be up to 2 weeks, and the interval between blood secretions is only 3-5 days.

In some cases, there is a shortening of the period of menstruation, but the frequency of their occurrence increases. Menstruation can begin up to 3 times a month and at the same time be always plentiful.

Hormonal disbalance

The growth of the tumor leads to the arrest of the functions of the ovary, which unable to produce female hormones normally. Their deficiency affects the functioning of the internal organs and the appearance of a woman. Lack of required quantity female hormones leads to coarsening of the voice, the appearance of excessive hair growth on the arms and legs.

During pregnancy, this can affect lactation, its complete cessation. In addition, there is an instability of the psychological state in which a woman becomes aggressive and irritable.

There may be weight gain without apparent reason even if the woman is on a diet. The main symptoms of hormonal imbalance include headaches and lack of sexual desire.

Bleeding

The cause of bleeding in ovarian cancer is a hormonal imbalance or tumor growth into the body of the uterus. This leads to a change in metabolic processes in the endometrium, its growth or exfoliation. In this case, areas with bleeding vessels are exposed. Due to the deformity, the muscles of the uterus cannot contract normally and the vessels do not close.

As a result, bleeding begins. Its volume will depend on the degree of damage to the uterus. With minor tissue damage, rare bleeding is observed, limited to 3-7 days. With large tumor growths, bleeding is prolonged, lasting for a month. Bleeding is not stopped by hemostatic and reducing drugs.

Pain during exercise

With an increase in the tumor, there may be a slight soreness after intense physical exertion. Pain is especially pronounced during sexual intercourse and weight lifting. This is due to overstretching and deformation of the tissues of the uterus, and may be a signal of cancer damage to the peritoneal wall.

Sexual intercourse, like lifting weights, provokes muscle contractions that are not able to fully perform this function and give pain in the lower abdomen or along the entire wall of the peritoneum. Pain is also present when engaging in calm sports, but with less intensity.

Allocations

A symptom of a malfunction of the ovaries is a discharge of a different nature. This is one of the signs that appears before everyone else, but at the same time it is rarely paid attention to. Allocations are characteristic of any type of disease genitourinary system, but only in cancer they are growing and intense.

At the beginning of the development of pathology, clear mucus appears which have the consistency of water. As the disease spreads, the discharge loses its transparency, becoming white or yellow, and becomes bad smell. Their appearance is associated with an increased rate of decay of healthy and cancer cells.

With the defeat of the endometrium of the uterus, blood streaks are observed in the discharge, the number of which gradually increases, forming clots. If the tumor has blocked the fallopian tubes or there is a breakdown of a large area of ​​tissue, then inflammatory process, displayed by the appearance of purulent discharge.

Edema

Puffiness of the extremities is observed in the later stages, when the tumor has compressed the portal and pudendal veins, or the cancer has metastasized to adjacent organs. In connection with the violation of blood flow and normal outflow of fluid, edema begins, localized on the lower extremities.

The appearance of puffiness does not depend on the use of liquids and becomes more pronounced after sleep. Drugs that help relieve swelling, in this case, do not help.

Abdominal enlargement

An increase in the abdomen in this type of cancer can be triggered by two reasons. Acts as the first increase in neoplasm which can be determined by visual inspection and palpation. In this case, the abdomen has an asymmetric shape with an increase on the side of the lesion.

On palpation, a heterogeneous compaction with an uneven surface is detected. The second reason is ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. In this case, the abdomen increases evenly over the entire surface.

If left untreated, it becomes excessively voluminous in relation to the body. The amount of fluid in ascites reaches 7 liters.

Flatulence and bowel dysfunction

The growth of the tumor outside the ovary leads to clamping of the intestine and narrowing of its lumens. This provokes constant swelling, localized mainly in upper section. There is also rapid saturation in small portions, impaired stool and constant nausea.

At small sizes neoplasms, these symptoms appear periodically. But, with an increase in the tumor, they become more intense and constant. As a result, complete intestinal obstruction may occur.

Problems with urination

Problems of this nature begin after spread of malignancy to the ureter. An increase in formation leads to a gradual clamping of the canal, as a result of which, during urination, pain is observed and the inability to completely empty the bladder.

As a result, there is a frequent urge to urinate and inflammation of the bladder. The urine may contain streaks of blood or purulent mucus.

General symptoms

Except specific symptoms, ovarian cancer is characterized by some common features that occur in various types oncological diseases:

1. Loss of appetite. It occurs as a result of constant nausea, which manifests itself regardless of the meal. Along with loss of appetite, there may be a change in taste preferences. For example, the rejection of fatty and meat products.
2. Nausea. It is a consequence of a violation of the production of pancreatic enzymes and a constant accumulation of toxins from decaying cells of the affected tissue. Depending on the stage of the disease, nausea can be intermittent or constant, turning into frequent vomiting.
3. Weakness. Occurs due to anemia and is accompanied by drowsiness, disability, fever.

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