Inoperable Ovarian cancer
Inoperable Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is an often deadly type of cancer that specifically affects the ovaries. One type of ovarian cancer, inoperable ovarian cancer, can be particularly difficult to treat because it is not possible to perform surgery to remove the cancerous tissues. This type of ovarian cancer requires chemotherapy and other treatments because the cancer is too widespread for a surgical intervention.
Causes of Inoperable Ovarian Cancer
There is no known cause of inoperable ovarian cancer. It is believed to develop when healthy cells in the ovary begin to acquire genetic mutations that cause them to grow and divide at an uncontrollable rate. This happens without any external trigger. As the cells continue to divide and spread, they form tumors that invade surrounding tissues, making the cancer inoperable.
Risk Factors of Inoperable Ovarian Cancer
Several factors are associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, including:
- advanced age - it's usually diagnosed in women over the age of 50
- family history of ovarian or breast cancer
- having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
- having endometriosis
- being of Caucasian descent
Symptoms of Inoperable Ovarian Cancer
The symptoms of inoperable ovarian cancer may include:
- persistent abdominal bloating
- indigestion
- changes in bowel habits
- pain in the pelvic area
- a frequent urge to urinate
- unexplained fatigue
- loss of appetite
- nausea
Diagnosis of Inoperable Ovarian Cancer
A diagnosis of inoperable ovarian cancer is made by performing a pelvic exam, a blood test, and imaging tests, as well as biopsies. If the cancer is advanced and is not operable, chemotherapy and other treatments can be used to help reduce the size of the tumor and make it less aggressive.
Treatments for Inoperable Ovarian Cancer
As mentioned above, treatments for inoperable ovarian cancer are typically chemotherapy and other treatments like radiation therapy. Depending on the stage and type of cancer, medications may also be prescribed to help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. Additionally, clinical trials may be available for women with inoperable ovarian cancer to improve their outcomes.