Papillary carcinoma accounts for about 20% of all diagnosed malignant ovarian diseases. often develops from advanced, papillary cystadenoma. It is distinguished by its aggressive and fast flow. In 80% of cases, papillary carcinoma affects both ovaries at once.

This histological type is represented by warty formations resembling cauliflower. Papillary growths contribute to the contamination of the peritoneum and the appearance of carcinomatosis. The tumor node is multilocular. The chambers are filled with a cloudy liquid. In the treatment of papillary ovarian carcinoma, and are used. used only in the early stages.

Mucinous ovarian cancer

Mucinous ovarian cancer is quite rare. The risk of transformation of a benign mucinous ovarian tumor into a malignant tumor is about 17%. Mucinous ovarian cancer is more common in women over 50 years of age.

This histological type is characterized by the large size of the tumor node, which can reach 30 cm. Mucinous carcinoma considered less aggressive than the serous type of ovarian cancer. But it also responds to antitumor treatment worse than adenocarcinoma.

Endometrioid carcinoma of the ovary It gets its name because it resembles endometrial carcinoma. Also, 10% of endometrioid ovarian carcinomas develop against the background of endometriosis. That's why endometrioid ovarian carcinoma in more than 20% of cases it is combined with primary adenocarcinoma of the uterine body.

Endometrioid tumors are usually round and pedunculated. The tumor node has a cystic structure. Cysts usually contain thick, hemorrhagic fluid. Endometrioid ovarian cancer are more common in patients over 40 years of age.

Such tumors are characterized by a slow progression and non-aggressive growth pattern. The prognosis for endometriotic ovarian cancer is favorable. Treatment for endometrioid ovarian carcinoma mainly includes: To and these tumors are insensitive due to their high differentiation.

Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary(mesonephroid ovarian cancer) is considered the rarest type of ovarian cancer. It accounts for 5% of all diagnosed cases of ovarian cancer. The tumor received its name due to the presence of light-colored cells containing glycogen in the tumor tissues. These cells are shaped like wallpaper nails and contain a small amount of cytoplasm. Clear cell ovarian cancer occurs in women over 55 years of age. The tumor often affects only one ovary.

Mixed ovarian tumors

Mixed ovarian tumors, usually consist of several histological types of the tumors described above. Mixed ovarian tumors are classified taking into account the predominance of a certain histological type of tumor, therefore treatment is selected according to the sensitivity of the predominant histological type of tumor to a particular type of antitumor treatment.

Metastatic ovarian tumors represent damage to the ovaries, most often the pelvic organs. In most cases, the source of metastatic lesions of the ovaries is I, and.

A separate type of metastatic lesion of the ovaries is Krukenberg metastasis. Krukenberg metastasis is the spread of atypical cells of any type of cancer to the ovary. More often, Krukenberg metastasis formed during diseases.

Tumors of various types, both malignant and benign, form in the ovaries. Among malignant tumors, glandular cancer or adenocarcinoma is often found.

This tumor is an abnormal malignant glandular cell growth of ovarian tissue. Such formations are found relatively rarely, however, with early diagnosis they respond quite well to treatment.

Causes and risk factors

There are many contradictions regarding the reasons that provoke the occurrence of ovarian glandular cancer, however, oncologists identify some factors that have a particularly strong influence on the formation of such formations.

1. Uncontrolled or prolonged use of oral contraception.
2. Excess weight, obesity.
3. Unfavorable environmental conditions.
4. Irradiation.
5. Long-term use of certain medications such as fertility drugs;
6. Hereditary genetic predisposition;
7. Early menstruation and late onset of menopause;
8. Abuse of powder, talcum powder, blush and other bulk cosmetic products;
9. Tubal ligation, ovary removal;
10. Unhealthy diet;
11. Irradiation.

If a woman’s blood relatives have already had cases of cancer, then the likelihood of her developing malignant tumors increases significantly. And recent studies have shown a connection between the daughter and the presence of breast cancer in the mother.

Therefore, it is especially important for such women to undergo a preventive gynecological examination every six months.

Symptoms of ovarian adenocarcinoma

The initial stages of adenocarcinoma development are hidden for patients, and when signs do appear, it is quite difficult to suspect oncology based on them.

• One of the first manifestations of glandular ovarian cancer is menstrual irregularities, which consist in the irregularity of the cycle, but since ovarian adenocarcinoma often occurs in women in premenopausal age, such irregularity is often attributed to the onset of menopause.
• Women also note unexpressed pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• Often glandular cancer accompanied by intestinal disturbances such as flatulence or bloating, premature satiety and a feeling of fullness in the stomach, functional digestive disorders.
• When the tumor reaches a significant size, it can be detected by palpation.
• When the formation is large, pressure occurs on intraorganic structures, which causes breathing difficulties and intestinal obstruction.
• Some patients note pain during sexual intercourse.

When the disease reaches its peak, the shape of the woman’s abdomen changes, she often suffers from shortness of breath, and her lymph nodes become noticeably enlarged. Adenocarcinoma often metastasizes lymphogenously, spreading to distant organs.

Classification of species

Ovarian adenocarcinomas are classified according to histological features into serous and poorly differentiated, papillary and mucinous, endometrioid and clear cell tumors.

Each of these varieties has individual characteristics, so it is worth considering them separately.

Serous

This form of glandular ovarian cancer is considered by experts as the most aggressive type of ovarian oncology. It usually develops on both ovaries.

Abnormally malignant cellular structures are capable of producing a serous secretion, which is identical in composition to the fluid produced by the epithelial layer of the fallopian tubes. The structure of the tumor differs in the content of multilocular cystic formations.

• Serous glandular cancer is characterized by large tumor sizes, even giant ones.
• The tumor is characterized by early metastasis and intensive growth, penetrates other organs, and especially quickly affects the omentum (tissue in the peritoneum), which is strongly connected with the digestion and circulatory system. Therefore, in women with a similar form of ovarian cancer, concomitant disorders of digestive and circulatory activity are observed, complicating the already serious condition of the patient.
• Also a characteristic complication is.
• Serous glandular ovarian cancer occurs mainly in middle-aged patients.

Poorly differentiated

This type of ovarian oncology is characterized by low differentiation of cellular structures, which is expressed by the absence of a clear characteristic of the tumor. A poorly differentiated ovarian tumor is characterized by atypical cellular structures, their slow development and growth.

This characteristic is more acceptable for borderline tumor formations, which are characterized by a low degree of malignancy and lack of tendency to grow into nearby tissues. Therefore, this form of glandular ovarian cancer is considered the least dangerous among all types of similar oncology.

Papillary

Approximately 80% of cases of ovarian adenocarcinoma are of the papillary type.

This tumor is distinguished by a special internal structure, which consists of the presence of a capsule, inside lined with a papillary epithelial layer and containing fluid.

This structure often causes confusion in determining the type of tumor and complicates diagnosis.

Therefore, when identifying such adenocarcinoma, it is necessary to carefully examine the structure of the formation and the nature of its contents, the degree of differentiation and damage. This diagnostic approach will help distinguish ovarian glandular cancer from other formations.

Mucinous

Mucinous ovarian adenocarcinoma is characterized by the presence of cystic formations in the structure of the tumor, which are filled with mucus-like contents. Cells can grow into the abdominal cavity, then the metastases formed in it begin to actively secrete a large amount of mucous secretion.

This tumor is distinguished by the fact that inside it there are many partitions that form the so-called. cameras, which makes it possible to identify this type of ovarian adenocarcinoma. The most common mucinous form of the tumor is in women over 30, and most often it has a bilateral nature of the lesion.

Clear cell

This type of adenocarcinoma is quite rare, accounting for only 3% of the total number of ovarian epithelial tumors.

A characteristic feature of these tumors is the variety of types of cellular structures such as clove and clear glycogen cells. This type of ovarian adenocarcinoma is considered the least studied today, although it is known that it affects mainly 50-year-old patients and older.

The clear cell type of cancer is a highly malignant oncology; it affects mainly one ovary, forming into a large pelvic formation.

Diagnosing clear cell adenocarcinoma is quite difficult because it is often confused with other neoplasms.

Endometrioid

Such a tumor has a structure similar to carcinoma, is characterized by a predominantly cystic structure and is filled with a thick brown substance.

Such formations are rounded and pedunculated, are solid tumors and contain squamous epithelial foci.

Endometrioid adenocarcinomas of the ovary occur in patients over 30 and in 15% are accompanied by malignant oncology of the uterine body.

This type of ovarian cancer develops quite slowly and asymptomatically, but if detected early, it has a favorable prognosis.

Stages of development

The development of ovarian adenocarcinomas occurs in several stages:

• At the first stage, the lesion is localized exclusively in the ovarian tissues and does not extend beyond them;
• At the second stage of the tumor process, ovarian adenocarcinoma grows into the abdominal cavity, limited to the pelvic region;
• At the third stage, glandular ovarian cancer metastasizes to other organic structures of the abdominal localization, as well as to the inguinal lymph nodes;
• The fourth stage of adenocarcinoma is diagnosed in cases where distant metastasis occurs in, or.

Quite often, against the background of an oncological process, an inflammatory process develops in the ovary, then a woman develops a characteristic nagging pain that is difficult to attribute to cancer.

That is why ovarian adenocarcinoma is most often detected when metastases penetrate the liver tissue, which is accompanied by abundant accumulations of fluid in the abdominal cavity and a characteristic protrusion of the abdomen.

Tumor diagnosis

They are of utmost importance in identifying dangerous pathologies. The right approach allows you to accurately determine the type of oncology and select the most effective method of therapy, which significantly increases the survival rate of patients.

Any diagnosis begins with a medical examination and medical history. Then, if cancer is suspected, the gynecologist refers the woman to additional tests such as:

• Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs;
• Magnetic resonance and computed tomography;
• tumor tissues, etc.

Equally important is the identification of tumor markers, although their specificity is not very high, so today the analysis of studies of materials obtained through biopsy is considered the most informative.

Pathology therapy

It is based on various nuances such as the stage of the tumor process, its type and the general condition of the patient. The most commonly used methods are surgical interventions.

When detected in the early stages, treatment is usually based on local removal of the primary tumor focus, although more often the tumor is still removed along with the affected ovary.

The extent of the operation depends on the extent of tumor spread. Sometimes not only the ovary, but also the uterine body, and even the abdominal omentum are subjected to ectomy. Unfortunately, such removal does not always guarantee the absence of tumor cells, so patients are additionally prescribed chemotherapy.

In some cases, a similar technique is used as the main treatment (for example, when surgery is contraindicated). Chemotherapy is usually based on the use of cytostatic drugs that have antitumor activity.

At the end of treatment, the patient is under constant supervision of an oncologist in order to promptly prevent relapse and undergo additional treatment.

Survival prognosis

Probability of survival at a ovarian denocarcinoma decreases with increasing stage of the tumor process.

A favorable outcome can be expected only when the therapy was carried out correctly and at the first stage of the tumor process. When detected:

• At the initial stage, the chances of survival are about 90%;
• At the second stage - about 60%;
• If present, only 10-16% of women survive.

For working capacity, the prognosis is mostly favorable, because the absence of organs of the reproductive system does not in any way affect the ability to do physical work.

You can avoid ovarian adenocarcinoma:

• By giving up unhealthy habits and consuming foods with preservatives and carcinogenic additives;
• Controlling weight;
• Living in an environmentally friendly area.

In addition, it is necessary to treat any “female” pathologies professionally, following medical prescriptions, and not to heal them with home methods, exposing yourself to unjustified risk.

Serous ovarian cancer is a large cluster of malignant neoplasms that develop from the epithelium. That is, the tumor appears from those epithelial tissues that have become malignant or degenerated. To date, the reason for this process has not yet been found. There are, however, three theories that have been put forward by oncologists:

1. The tumor is formed from the integumentary epithelium, that is, those tissues that are on the surface of the ovaries are degenerated.
2. Due to the vestigial remains of the primary genital organs, which remained after the standard organs were formed in the female body.
3. Implanted epithelium that comes to the ovaries from the uterus or fallopian tubes.

Today, there are several types of serous ovarian cancer:

1. Papillary and standard adenocarcinoma.
2. Adenofibroma.
3. Superficial papillary carcinoma.
4. Serous cystoma of papillary type.

Different types of serous cancer are treated with different medications.

Epithelial ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer is formed from mesothelium - the epithelium that is located on the surface of this female organ. Typically, this type affects only one ovary and rarely spreads to the opposite one. The tumor in this case progresses so slowly that it is very difficult to diagnose. According to statistics, 75% of patients learned about their disease at a late stage, when treatment is quite difficult.

Epithelial ovarian cancer develops in women after 50 years of age. It is the most common (99% of cases).

Mucinous ovarian cancer

Mucinous ovarian cancer is diagnosed more often in those who have had or are suffering from uterine fibroids, have had an ectopic pregnancy or inflammation of the appendages. Usually, with the development of such a tumor, no changes in the menstrual cycle are noticed (97%). Among the main symptoms are:

1. The abdomen increases in volume.
2. Pain sensations appear in the abdominal area.
3. Urination becomes more frequent.

Depending on the stage of the disease, symptoms may appear or disappear, or intensify.

Metastatic ovarian cancer

This form of ovarian cancer is formed from tumors in other organs that are located nearby. Typically, carcinogenic cells travel through the blood into one or two ovaries from the abdominal cavity or uterus. All formations of this type are designated as 4th degree. There are ways through which cancer enters the ovaries:

1. Lymphogenous-retrograde.
2. Hematogenous (if the tumor is located too far away).
3. Implantation-transperitoneal.

Metastatic ovarian cancer accounts for 20% of all cancer cases in this area. It usually affects women between forty and fifty years of age. The tumor can be quite large. If both ovaries are affected, the left one is always more severely affected. The tumor has an oval shape and a lobular structure. Usually stands on a leg. Its consistency is quite soft.

Clear cell ovarian cancer

This type of cancer is quite rare. Usually the tumor is combined with endometriosis. Doctors do not know exactly what causes clear cell ovarian cancer, but they assume that it develops from Müllerian epithelium. Typically, this form of cancer affects only one ovary. The tumor resembles a cyst in appearance. It can metastasize quite quickly, so the prognosis for cancer treatment is bleak. Clear cell testicular cancer often develops together with adenofibroma.

Glandular ovarian cancer

Glandular ovarian cancer is a fairly common form of malignant tumor that develops in this female organ. According to statistics, among all pathologies of these types, this cancer is diagnosed in 40% of cases. The size of the tumor is quite large, sometimes even huge. Cancer can quickly spread to other organs.

Another name for glandular cancer is ovarian adenocarcinoma. The development of a tumor occurs due to the fact that various epithelial tissues begin to grow. Why this happens is not yet known. But doctors note that women who are obese, use oral contraceptives or have infertility are more likely to be at risk. The early stages of glandular ovarian cancer occur without any distinctive symptoms, so it is important to undergo an ultrasound of the pelvic organs at least once a day. Some patients experience a change in the menstrual cycle, which becomes quite irregular. The disease usually develops in women after menopause or just before its onset.

Papillary ovarian cancer

Papillary ovarian cancer differs from other types in that the tumor develops from a cilioepithelial cystoma, which is also called papillary. Typically, papillary cancer develops on both sides, but there are also unilateral tumors. This type of malignancy is very difficult to diagnose. As a rule, it develops in older women.

Secondary ovarian cancer

Secondary ovarian cancer is one of the most common types. It accounts for 85% of all cancer cases in this organ. The main characteristic is the fact that the tumor grows from benign formations. As a rule, these are mucinous cystomas or serous papillaries. Typically, secondary ovarian cancer may be isolated, but may consist of several nodes.

Undifferentiated ovarian cancer

Undifferentiated ovarian cancer is one of the least common. In only 1% of cases the doctor makes such a diagnosis. This type of carcinoma has no specific symptoms and is therefore difficult to diagnose.

Borderline ovarian cancer

Borderline ovarian cancer is an epithelial tumor that rarely develops into malignancy. When an ultrasound examination is performed, such cancer is difficult to distinguish from an invasive type of tumor. To see the difference between these types of cancer, a biopsy is needed. Treatment of borderline ovarian cancer is carried out only by surgery. If a woman has already given birth, she may have her uterus removed or have a tubal ligation. The danger of this type of tumor is that it often spreads to the tissues of other organs.

Papillary ovarian cancer

The mortality rate from papillary ovarian cancer is quite high, so this disease is considered very serious. The main difference is the fact that the tumor has a distinctive structure. Inside there is a special capsule that consists of papillae and liquid. Papillaries also have small growths that are covered with columnar or cuboidal epithelium. Very often, papillary ovarian cancer is confused with other types.

Squamous cell ovarian cancer

Squamous cell ovarian cancer develops from cysts, especially from dermoid cysts. First of all, it must be said that dermoid cysts are always benign, but under the influence of reasons that have not yet been established, they degenerate into malignant formations. Development usually occurs in a small number of women (1-2%) after menopause. Squamous cell ovarian cancer is diagnosed late and quite difficult. Often women come to the doctor when they experience unpleasant “squeezing” in the lower abdomen. To cure this type of tumor, radical surgery is used. If the cancer has affected only the ovaries, the prognosis is often quite good.

Anaplastic ovarian cancer

Anaplastic ovarian cancer is quite rare. It is diagnosed only in 2-3% of cases. It differs in the histological structure of the tumor. Moreover, it can be either large-celled or small-celled.

Inoperable ovarian cancer

The question of whether ovarian cancer is operable is quite complex. The answer can only be obtained after the abdominal cavity has been cut. In this case, it does not matter how much the tumor has grown, nor how much ascites it has, nor whether it is mobile or not. There are cases when a mobile tumor of ovarian cancer was completely removed, but one that seemed motionless during examination could not be operated on due to the fact that it was connected to the intestine or another neighboring organ. In medical practice, unfortunately, it is the second type that comes across more often. Inoperable ovarian cancer cannot be removed with surgery. But do not despair, because there are various treatment methods that have helped some patients. For example, fungotherapy (mushroom treatment) has recently become popular, although it is more palliative in nature.

Ovarian cancer after childbirth

It often happens that ovarian cancer begins to develop after childbirth. In this case, the woman must remember that feeding the baby with breast milk is strictly prohibited. In the first stages, it is very difficult to diagnose cancer, since its symptoms are very similar to the development of benign tumors. Please note that there is no disruption in the menstrual cycle. The first signs of a subjective nature appear after the tumor has significantly increased in size. Among them are:

1. A nagging pain in the lower abdomen that occurs periodically.
2. Frequent diarrhea or, conversely, constipation.
3. Frequent urge to urinate.
4. The lower extremities periodically swell.

Ovarian cancer often develops after childbirth due to excessive production of hormones.

Diagnosis of this type of tumor occurs infrequently, only in extremely rare cases. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by an oncologist, who must carry out the following manipulations:

1. Method of digital examination through the vagina or anus.
2. Ultrasound of the female genital organs, endocrine system, breast and abdominal cavity.
3. Determining the location of the tumor using computed tomography.
4. The type and boundaries of cancer are determined through magnetic resonance imaging.
5. Establishment of preliminary diagnostics.
6. Taking a small amount of pathological tissue for testing.

The most advanced method for identifying cancer cells today is a biopsy.

Ovarian cancer after childbirth undergoes complex treatment, which includes surgery, chemotherapy and ionizing radiation.

Tumors that form in the ovaries can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not dangerous to humans only if their growth stops. Malignant neoplasms in the ovaries are glandular cancer or adenocarcinoma. In terms of the frequency of cancer, ovarian adenocarcinoma ranks second. Every year the number of women who receive this diagnosis is rapidly increasing. In most cases, such diagnoses lead to death, which is due to its diagnosis being too late.

Ovarian cancer: what is it?

Ovarian adenocarcinoma belongs to the category of malignant neoplasms, which over time not only increases in size, but also spreads throughout the body, spreading to neighboring organs and tissues. Although benign neoplasms occur in 70% of cases, their development into malignant tumors cannot be ruled out, so very often a decision is made to remove them.

Adenocarcinoma is a tumor that is formed by glandular epithelial cells and can affect both ovaries. About the structure, this tumor is a multi-chamber node, inside of which there are septa. If the tumor grows to a large size, which happens in 90% of cases, the consequences lead to rupture of the ovarian capsule, affecting neighboring organs.

Important to know! A malignant ovarian tumor can be diagnosed at any age, but most often it happens to women over 40 years of age.

The main characteristics of malignant neoplasms are due to the following actions:

• High growth rate, which contributes to the rapid occurrence of metastases, as well as the spread of the tumor to neighboring organs and tissues.
• Release of toxins. In addition to rapid growth, the tumor releases toxins that affect the person by suppressing the immune system and deteriorating the person’s general condition.
• Difficulty in diagnosing oncological pathology, which is associated with the special structure of organs.
• Absence of characteristic symptoms and signs of cancer in the early stages of the disease.

A malignant ovarian tumor is a serious, dangerous and fatal disease. A woman with such a diagnosis can be saved only if the cancer is diagnosed in a timely manner. Due to the absence of symptoms, most diagnoses are made when the tumor is in the complication stage.

Why does ovarian adenocarcinoma occur?

The causes of cancer development are due to the following factors:

1. Hereditary predisposition.
2. Weakened immunity.
3. Bad habits: smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.
4. Bad environment.
5. Harmful radiation.
6. Overweight and obesity.

The exact causes of cancer development remain not fully understood. This is due to the fact that cancer cells are formed under the influence of various factors. Malignant adenocarcinoma in the ovaries occurs through exposure to the following factors:

• Hormonal imbalances in a woman’s body.
• Lack of pregnancy or frequent childbirth.
• Ovarian dysfunction.
• Uterine fibroids.
• Early or late menopause.
• Tumors of the mammary glands.
• Problems with the endocrine system.
• Long-term use of hormonal drugs and antibiotics.
• Various operations performed on the genitals, including abortions.

Oncological diseases occur most often if a person has relatives in their pedigree who have had problems with neoplasms. Even if cancer was overcome, this does not mean that children will not be affected by the disease.

Important to know! Due to the fact that ovarian adenocarcinoma is difficult to diagnose, it is necessary for women to regularly visit an antenatal clinic, which will allow the pathology to be identified in a timely manner and appropriate measures to be taken to cure it.

What types of ovarian adenocarcinoma are divided into?

Malignant tumors are divided into the following types:

1. Clear cell adenocarcinoma. It is a fairly rare form of cancer, which is one of the most malignant and dangerous. Cancer usually affects one organ and grows large in a short time. Carcinoma is classified as difficult to diagnose, as it has many similarities with other types of neoplasms.
2. Serous ovarian adenocarcinoma. Occurs quite often in 80% of cases. The tumor grows to a large size and mainly affects both ovaries. Metastases occur in the early stages and spread to the abdominal organs, which poses a serious threat to a woman’s life. Serous ovarian carcinoma has a high mortality rate, so it is very important to detect the pathology in a timely manner.
3. Endometriotic adenocarcinoma. Occurs in 10% of cases, and is one of the benign types of pathology. Such tumors are characterized by slow growth and the ability to be treated.
4. Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the ovary has the property of rapid tumor growth, as well as its achievement of large sizes. The disease affects one of the ovaries and is quite rare.
5. Mixed type of neoplasms. A rare form of oncology that combines several types of adenocarcinomas.
6. Undifferentiated ovarian cancer. A rare type that occurs in 1% of cases. It has virtually no symptoms, so there are difficulties in identifying it.

Oncological diseases are divided into types depending on the complexity of the disease. There are the following types of ovarian adenocarcinoma:

• Poorly differentiated. Contains a large number of cancer cells that differ in appearance from normal cells. The lower the degree of differentiation, the worse the prognosis.
• Well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Tumor cells are practically no different from healthy cells.
• Differentiated moderately. The average between the two types presented above.

Depending on the complexity of the disease, you can make not only predictions, but also decide on the correct treatment. Despite the fact that cancer is a serious disease, doctors fight for the life of every person, regardless of what stage the pathology is at.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

At the initial stage of development of ovarian cancer, the woman’s health status does not change in any way. This is precisely the main drawback, since timely diagnosis of the disease would allow it to be eliminated painlessly and effectively. Very often, doctors make an erroneous diagnosis and prescribe the wrong treatment.

The main symptoms of an ovarian tumor are:

1. Pain in the lower abdomen. However, it is not the stomach that hurts, but the genitals, which are affected by the tumor.
2. Disruptions of the menstrual cycle. In case of menstrual irregularities, women should definitely contact an antenatal clinic.
3. Frequent constipation or diarrhea.
4. Pain and bleeding that occurs during menstruation.
5. Pain after sexual intercourse.
6. General weakness and fatigue.
7. Enlarged lymph nodes.
8. Intestinal dysfunction.

Usually, such symptoms are similar to the signs of the onset of menstrual periods, so few people pay attention to this. It is impossible to ignore any symptoms, since it is better to make sure in a timely manner that there is no pathology than to identify it at the stage of complications, when nothing can be done.

Important to know! Symptoms of a disease are signs that it is time to go to the clinic to identify the causes of their occurrence.

Diagnosis of ovarian cancer

It is almost impossible to determine ovarian cancer based on symptoms alone, so they must resort to diagnostic procedures. Diagnostics allows not only to determine an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment, but also to determine the extent of oncology. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the correct diagnosis.

Diagnosis of cancer is based on an examination of the patient by a specialist, as well as a medical history. If a woman has had cases of cancer, this increases the likelihood of detecting cancer cells in her. The patient is examined in a gynecological chair through the labia. Through such an examination, it is possible to identify the size, structure and degree of mobility of the ovaries. The accuracy of detecting ovarian cancer is determined using the following methods:

1. Ultrasound, CT and MRI. These procedures differ not only in the cost of research, but also in the accuracy of obtaining results. These research methods make it possible to identify tumors, as well as determine the stage and distribution of metastases.
2. Blood test and fluid collection from the abdominal cavity. The fluid is taken for examination to determine markers of glandular cancer tissue. Despite the fact that these types of studies can give a false result, they have important diagnostic value.
3. Biopsy of ovarian tissue. The principle of biopsy is based on taking tumor tissue, followed by its study in the laboratory.
4. Laparoscopy. Laparoscopic procedures are very popular because they perform diagnosis and treatment simultaneously. Laparoscopy involves the insertion of a special camera through the vagina, through which the localization of the disease is examined, as well as the adoption of appropriate treatment measures.

Important to know! It is recommended that women undergo diagnostics of the genital organs at least 2 times a year, which will allow timely detection of defects and pathologies.

Features of treatment of ovarian cancer

Treatment depends on the stage at which the tumor is located. In most cases, treatment is based on surgery and prior and subsequent chemotherapy. If it is possible to perform surgery on the genitals while preserving the ovaries, only the tumor is removed. If the tumor grows rapidly, a decision is made to remove it. The nature of the surgical intervention is influenced by the following factors:

• patient's age;
• state of reproductive function;
• pregnancy planning;
• tumor stage.

Chemotherapy is carried out both before the operation and after its completion. With the help of chemotherapy, it is possible to prevent relapses of the disease, as well as to destroy the remaining pathological cells. After the operation, diagnostics must be performed.

Important to know! If surgery cannot be performed, then treatment is based on medication and radiation.

Forecasts

The main factor that influences survival rate for ovarian cancer is the speed at which the pathology is detected. The earlier the pathology is detected, the higher the likelihood of successful treatment. If ovarian carcinoma is removed in a timely manner, the survival rate is 90%. Moreover, patients live more than 5 years. If treatment is carried out at the stage of metastasis, then survival rate does not exceed 15%.

Ovarian carcinoma is considered a malignant neoplasm that develops as a result of atypical division of mutated tissues. The disease can be primary or secondary. In the first case, 70% of tumors form as epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Metastases in this area are a fairly rare pathology and occur when cancer cells spread from cancerous lesions of the female genital organs or intestines.

Epidemiology

In gynecological practice, ovarian cancer ranks second among diagnosed malignant neoplasms, which is the leading cause of death in patients from tumors of the female genital organs.

Causes of ovarian carcinoma development

The causes of the formation of a malignant ovarian tumor are poorly understood, but many experts argue that the disease predominantly affects nulliparous women. At the same time, in terms of cancer prevention, a significant role belongs to the use of oral contraceptives.

Risk factors include:

1. Periodic gonadotropic stimulation.
2. Availability.
3. Chronic inflammatory processes of the female genital organs.
4. Untimely onset of menopause.
5. Late uterine bleeding.

Symptoms

In the early stages, ovarian cancer is completely asymptomatic. Symptoms of the disease occur only when the tumor has spread significantly and consist of the following clinical picture:

• Menstrual disorder.
• The pressure of the tumor on nearby structures can cause chronic constipation and impaired urination.
• Pain syndrome of varying intensity and a feeling of “heaviness” in the lower third of the abdomen.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Development of a patient's emergency surgical condition in the form of torsion or rupture of a malignant neoplasm.
• Bloating and increased abdominal volume and signs of accumulation of pathological fluid in the abdominal cavity.
• Bloody uterine discharge.

Stages of development

According to the international standard of nosological groups, ovarian carcinoma in its development it goes through the following stages:

1. A malignant neoplasm is localized exclusively in the tissues of the ovaries.

• 1a – tumor of one ovary;
• 1b – oncology of both ovaries;
• 1c – growth of the tumor into the outer layer of the organ with signs of ascites.

1. The malignant process moves to the pelvic organs.

• 2a – oncological foci are diagnosed in the uterus and fallopian tubes;
• 2b – cancer occurs in other organs;
• 2c – ascites and tumor progression on the surface of the ovary.

1. Pathological tissues are located in the peritoneum and metastases form in nearby organs and systems.

• 3a – a malignant neoplasm is located in the pelvic area, but individual elements of carcinoma are observed in the peritoneum;
• 3b – the size of secondary lesions does not exceed 2 cm;
• 3c – metastatic tumors with a diameter of more than 2 cm and malignant lesions of regional lymph nodes.

1. Ovarian carcinoma and metastases in distant organs.

Incidence of ovarian carcinomas

Depending on the tissue differentiation of ovarian cancer, doctors diagnose the following cancer incidence:

• Serous ovarian carcinoma – 75%.
• Mucinous oncology – 20%.
• Endometrioid neoplasms – 2%.
• Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary – about 1%.
• The so-called Brenner cancer – 1%.
• Undifferentiated ovarian carcinoma – less than 1%.

What is included in the diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma?

For high-quality and complete treatment of ovarian cancer, the main role is played by a screening test, which detects a tumor in the absence of clinical manifestations. comes down to a blood test for the presence of specific. In particular, mucus-forming ovarian carcinoma causes an increase in blood alpha-fetoprotein concentrations in 64% of clinical cases.

The examination of a patient with oncological pathology begins with clarification of subjective complaints and anamnesis of the disease. A gynecologist may suspect the presence of this disease when examining the abdomen and internal genital organs.

In the future, to establish the final diagnosis and the extent of spread of the malignant neoplasm, specialists resort to ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Ovarian biopsy in the presence of a cancerous tumor is not recommended due to the high risk of seeding tumor cells during manipulation. The final diagnosis is usually determined based on histological analysis of the excised tissue or organ.

Treatment of ovarian carcinoma

The main method of treatment for ovarian carcinoma is the combined use of chemotherapy and surgical removal of the malignant neoplasm. In the early stages of the oncological process, one or both ovaries must be excised. In the late phase of cancer growth, it is necessary to remove the uterus and omentum.

Prescribing a course of cytotoxic drugs for ovarian cancer has the following goals:

1. Stabilization of the atypical.
2. Reducing the size of the tumor.
3. Prevention of postoperative relapses and complications.

Disease prognosis

The prognosis of ovarian carcinoma directly depends on the stage of the cancer at which the disease was diagnosed. Thus, the most favorable treatment result is observed in the first phase of malignant growth, when the five-year survival rate is 85-90%.

Ovarian carcinoma in the terminal stage has a negative prognosis, since only 17% of cancer patients manage to survive to the five-year mark.