Dr. Minig is a renowned specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics focused on the treatment of ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and fibroids. In this article, Dr. Minig talks about one of his specialties, ovarian cancer, a pathology from which he indicates that one in 59 women will suffer.
No specific cause is known, although there are risk factors such as not having had children and suffering from endometriosis. In addition to unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Although there is no specific symptom, patients usually present abdominal distension, heartburn, reflux and changes in intestinal rhythm.
Diagnosis of ovarian cancer
It usually presents as peritoneal carcinomatosis, tumor implants on the peritoneum, the layer that inter- nally lines the abdominal and pelvic cavity.
Diagnosis is made by physical examination and gynecologic vaginal and abdominal ultrasound. This is followed by an ultrasound-guided biopsy or surgery to obtain a definitive diagnosis. A CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis is necessary to determine the extent.
Treatment for ovarian cancer
The first recommended treatment is the removal of the ovaries, uterus and lymph nodes in the pelvis and abdomen. Cases of advanced disease require removal of the peritoneum over the diaphragm, the spleen and surgeries on the intestine. Treatment should be completed with 6 cycles of intravenous chemotherapy.
In cases where complete removal of the disease is not possible, treatment should begin with 3 cycles of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and subsequent surgery.
Any of these treatments is incompatible with fertility in women. However, in some cases it is possible to preserve fertility by keeping the uterus and one of the ovaries.