Ovarian cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the ovaries. Early-stage ovarian cancer is usually asymptomatic, whereas the advanced stage cancer may cause pain in the abdomen, back and pelvic, fatigue, constipation, bloating, and difficulty in breathing. To know more about this condition, listed below are the causes and treatment options for ovarian cancer that you must consider.

Surgery
While there are ample causes for ovarian cancer, it is mostly linked to obesity, genetics, hormone levels, and age. The primary treatment to treat this condition is surgery; however, its extent depends on its spread. Women with low-risk stage can get the affected ovary and the fallopian tube removed. Since most of the time, the cancer is diagnosed when it has already spread to a great level, multiple organs may have to be removed.

Chemotherapy
The long list of causes and treatment options for ovarian cancer also suggests chemotherapy. Whether the cause of ovarian cancer is genetics or old age, chemotherapy is a treatment that is known to be highly effective. In this treatment, various medications are given through mouth, in the form of an injection or through a tube to treat the affected area. Usually, multiple rounds of chemotherapy are used, which may have widespread side-effects in the body.

Targeted therapy
Studies suggest that many women who undergo hormone replacement therapy are known to have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. However, regardless of the cause or the stage of cancer, targeted therapy is another dependable option. In this treatment, a few drugs are used to target the growth of specific cells that otherwise can help spread cancer. Also, since it is a targeted approach, it limits side effects in other parts of the body.

Radiation therapy
Among various causes and treatment options for ovarian cancer, radiation therapy is widely preferred. This treatment uses X-ray cells to kill the cancerous cells and prevent the disease from progressing. Also, this may prove to be beneficial for patients with an advanced stage of ovarian cancer.

Immunotherapy
As the name suggests, this technique helps boost the immune system’s ability to defend itself from the cancerous cells. This type of treatment involves injecting substances that can enhance the patient’s immunity and provide the body’s needed strength.

Prognosis
Reports claim that more than eighty percent of women with late-stage ovarian cancer are likely to experience its recurrence. Hence, when exploring the causes and treatment options for ovarian cancer, the prognosis is vital. It includes regular follow-ups and checkups to detect recurrent cancer before causing irreparable damage to the body.

Ovarian cancer has become one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in females. However, with timely diagnosis, the chances of survival can significantly increase.