The girls put a tumor of the left ovary what to do. Malignant and benign ovarian tumors

A tumor is an overgrowth of pathologically altered cells of a tissue. Ovarian tissues are formed from cells of different origin and perform different functions. Regardless of the cellular structure, ovarian tumors in women are masses that grow from the ovarian tissue. In the classification, there is also such a thing as tumor-like formations, which are formed not due to cell growth, but as a result of retention (accumulation) of fluid in the ovarian cavity. Among all diseases of the female genital area, tumors account for an average of 8%.

General characteristics by type of tumors

Depending on cellular changes, all pathological formations are combined into two large groups - malignant and benign. Such a division is conditional, since many benign formations are prone to transition into malignant ones during the reproductive period.

Malignant tumors of the ovaries

They are characterized by the absence of a membrane, rapid growth, the ability to penetrate individual cells and tissue strands of the tumor into neighboring healthy tissues with damage to the latter. This leads to germination also in neighboring blood and lymphatic vessels and spread (dissemination) of cancer cells with blood and lymph flow to distant organs. As a result of dissemination, metastatic tumors are formed in other nearby and distant organs.

The histological (under the microscope) structure of the cancerous tissue differs significantly from the neighboring healthy areas of the ovarian tissues by its atypicality. In addition, the malignant cells themselves are diverse in appearance, as they are in the process of division and at different stages of development. The most characteristic feature of malignant cells is their resemblance to embryonic ones (aplasia), but they are not identical to the latter. This is due to the lack of differentiation and, consequently, the loss of the originally intended functionality.

In Russia, in the total number of oncological diseases of the female population, malignant neoplasms occupy the seventh place, and among all tumors of the female reproductive organs, they account for about 13-14%. In the early stages of development, malignant ovarian tumors are completely cured, while in III and IV this percentage is much lower.

Benign ovarian tumors

The formations are delimited from neighboring tissues by a membrane and do not go beyond it. However, as they increase, they are able to compress neighboring organs and disrupt their anatomical position and physiological functions. According to the histological structure, benign tumors differ slightly from the surrounding healthy ovarian tissue, do not destroy it and are not prone to metastasis. Therefore, as a result of surgical removal of a benign neoplasm, complete recovery occurs.

Benign tumors and tumor-like formations of the ovaries

Their relevance is explained by the following factors:

The possibility of occurrence in any period of life.
A large number of cases with a tendency to increase incidence rates: they are in 2nd place among all pathological neoplasms of the female genital organs. They account for about 12% of all endoscopic operations and laparotomies (operations with an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and peritoneum) performed in gynecological departments.
Decreased female reproductive potential.
The absence of specific symptoms, in connection with which there are certain difficulties in early diagnosis.
With 66.5-90.5% goodness of these neoplasms, there is a high risk of their malingization.
Cumbersome histological classification due to the fact that the ovaries are one of the most complex cellular structures.

In the modern classification of the World Health Organization from 2002, a large number of benign ovarian tumors are presented with their division into groups and subgroups according to various principles. The most common in practical gynecology and abdominal surgery are:

Tumor formations of the ovaries.
Superficial epithelial-stromal, or epithelial tumors of the ovaries.

Tumor formations

These include:

Follicular cyst, which develops in one ovary and is more common in young women. Its diameter is from 2.5 to 10 cm. It is mobile, elastic, can be located above the uterus, behind or to the side of it, and is not prone to malignant degeneration. The cyst is manifested by violations of the menstrual cycles in the form of a delay in menstruation, followed by heavy bleeding, but after several (3-6) menstrual cycles, it disappears on its own. However, pedicle torsion of the ovarian tumor is possible, and therefore, if it is detected during an ultrasound examination, constant monitoring with ultrasound biometric measurements is necessary until it disappears.
. On palpation (manual palpation) of the abdomen, it resembles the previous one. Its size in diameter ranges from 3-6.5 cm. Depending on the variants of the tumor, during ultrasound, a homogeneous structure, the presence of single or multiple partitions in the cyst, different density of mesh parietal structures, blood clots (presumably) can be determined.
Symptomatically, the cyst is characterized by delayed menstruation, scanty bleeding from the genital tract, breast engorgement, and other dubious signs of pregnancy. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a differential diagnosis of a corpus luteum cyst with an ectopic pregnancy. Possible rupture of the cyst, especially during sexual intercourse.
Serous or simple cyst. Before histological examination, it is often mistaken for follicular. The possibility of malignancy (malignancy) of the serous cyst is assumed, which has not been conclusively proven. The cyst develops from the remnants of the primary germinal kidney and is a mobile, densely elastic formation with a diameter of about 10 cm, but sometimes, although very rarely, it can reach a significant size. The tumor is more often detected as a result of torsion of its legs or during an ultrasound scan for another reason. At the same time, ovarian tissue is clearly visible next to the neoplasm.

Follicular cyst

Epithelial ovarian tumors

They represent the most numerous group, averaging 70% of all ovarian neoplasms and 10-15% of malignant tumors. Their development comes from the stroma (base) and the surface epithelium of the ovary. Epithelial tumors are usually unilateral (bilateral in nature is considered as a suspicion of malignancy), on palpation they are painless and mobile with a densely elastic consistency.

With a significant size, compression of neighboring organs by a tumor occurs mainly in adolescents, and in adult girls and women this is extremely rare. Epithelial formations do not cause disorders of the menstrual cycle. Possible torsion of the legs of the ovarian tumor, hemorrhage into the capsule or its degeneration and rupture, accompanied by severe pain.

Borderline tumors

Among the epithelial formations in the classification, a special group of borderline type is distinguished: serous, mucinous (mucous), endometrioid and mixed borderline ovarian tumors, Brenner's borderline tumor and some other types. Each of the first three types includes tumors of various types, depending on the structures from which they develop. After the removal of borderline formations, their recurrence is possible.

As a result of studies conducted over the past decades, it has been established that borderline tumors are low-grade formations and precursors of types I and II of malignant ovarian tumors. They are more common in young women and are diagnosed mainly in the initial stages.

Morphologically, for the borderline type of tumors, the presence of some signs of malignant growth is characteristic: proliferation of the epithelium, spread through the abdominal cavity and damage to the omentum, an increased number of divisions of cell nuclei and atypia of the latter.

The method of ultrasound computed tomography is quite informative in the diagnosis of borderline tumors. The criteria are the formation of single multilayer dense unilateral formations, sometimes with areas of necrosis (necrosis). In serous borderline tumors, on the contrary, the process is bilateral in 40%, the ovaries look like cystic formations with papillary structures without areas of necrosis inside the tumor. Another feature of serous tumors is the possibility of their recurrence many years after surgical treatment - even after 20 years.

Infertility among women with borderline tumors occurs in 30-35% of cases.

Endometrial cyst

Symptoms

Regardless of whether a benign or malignant neoplasm, its early subjective manifestations are nonspecific and can be the same for any tumors:

Insignificant painful sensations, which are usually characterized by patients as weak “pulling” pains in the lower abdomen, predominantly one-sided.
Feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.
Pain of uncertain localization in various parts of the abdominal cavity of a constant or periodic nature.
Infertility.
Sometimes (in 25%) there is a violation of the menstrual cycle.
Dysuric disorders in the form of frequent urge to urinate.
An increase in the volume of the abdomen due to flatulence, impaired bowel function, manifested by constipation or frequent urge to defecate ineffectively.

As the size of the tumor increases, the severity of any of these symptoms increases. The last two symptoms are quite rare, but the earliest manifestation of even a small tumor. Unfortunately, often the patients themselves and even doctors do not attach due importance to these signs. They are due to the location of the tumor in front of the uterus or behind it and irritation of the corresponding organs - the bladder or intestines.

In addition, some types of cysts that develop from germ, sex, or, less commonly, fat-like cells are capable of producing hormones, which can manifest with symptoms such as:

lack of menstruation for several cycles;
an increase in the clitoris, a decrease in the mammary glands and the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue;
development of acne;
excessive growth of body hair, baldness, low and rough voice;
the development of Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome (with the secretion of glucocorticoid hormonal tumors of the ovaries emanating from fat-like cells).

These symptoms can appear at any age and even during pregnancy.

The development of metastasis in the later stages of cancerous tumors leads to the appearance of effusion in the abdominal cavity, weakness, anemia, shortness of breath, symptoms of intestinal obstruction, and others. Often the symptoms of serous borderline tumors are not much different from the symptoms of metastatic ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of torsion of the tumor stem

Torsion of the pedicle of an ovarian tumor can be complete or partial, occur both in benign and borderline, and in malignant neoplasms. The composition of the surgical (as opposed to anatomical) legs includes vessels, nerves, fallopian tube, peritoneal area, wide ligament of the uterus. Therefore, there are symptoms of malnutrition of the tumor and the corresponding structures:

sudden severe unilateral pain in the lower abdomen, which can gradually decrease and become permanent;
nausea, vomiting;
bloating and delay in the act of defecation, less often - dysuric phenomena;
pallor, "cold" clammy sweat;
an increase in body temperature and an increase in heart rate.

All these symptoms, except the first, are not permanent and characteristic. With partial torsion, their severity is much less, they can even disappear completely (with self-elimination of torsion) or reappear.

Treatment of an ovarian tumor

The result of the diagnosis of a benign ovarian tumor with a diameter of more than 6 cm or persisting for more than six months, as well as any malignant tumor, is surgical treatment. The amount of surgery depends on the type and type of tumor. In case of malignant - extirpation of the uterus with appendages and partial resection of the greater omentum by laparotomy is performed.

In the presence of a benign tumor, the histological type of the tumor, the age of the woman, her reproductive and sexual capabilities are taken into account. Currently, more and more often, an operation to remove an ovarian tumor is performed by the laparoscopic method, which makes it possible to provide the patient with conditions for maintaining a high quality of life and a quick return to their usual family and social life.

If benign tumors are detected during the reproductive period, the volume of the operation is minimal - resection (partial removal) of the ovary or unilateral adnexectomy (removal of the ovary and fallopian tube). In the case of borderline tumors in the periods of peri- and postmenopause, the scope of the operation is the same as for a malignant tumor, but in reproductive age, only adnexectomy is possible, followed by a sectoral (excision of a tissue site) biopsy of the second ovary and subject to constant monitoring by a gynecologist.

Tumor-like formations (retention cysts) can sometimes be removed by sectoral resection of the ovary or cyst enucleation. Torsion of the cyst stem is a direct indication for emergency surgery in the amount of adnexectomy.

Regular examinations by the doctor of the antenatal clinic and ultrasound examinations allow, in most cases, timely diagnosis, treatment of ovarian tumors, and prevention of the development of malignant neoplasms and their metastasis.

Tumors of the ovaries often occur in women of childbearing age, they can also appear in the period of menopausal restructuring of the body and even in youth. Both benign and malignant neoplasms are characterized by the absence of specific symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, as a rule, an ovarian tumor is detected in a woman by chance when she has to deal with complications. It is necessary to be attentive to the manifestations of "female" ailments and regularly undergo gynecological examinations. It is important to remove the neoplasm in time.

Tumors that develop only within the ovary are called benign. Another type, malignant neoplasms, grow rapidly, spreading first to neighboring and then to distant organs, which leads to complete destruction of the body. Cancerous neoplasms are primary (occur directly in the ovary) and secondary (metastatic, that is, formed as a result of the development of malignant diseases of other organs).

Tumors of both types are divided into the following types:

Epithelial, formed from epithelial cells. These include, for example, serous and mucinous cystadenomas, endometrioid neoplasms (benign), as well as adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (malignant).
Stromal (hormone-forming). They consist of tissues that produce sex hormones: estrogens (tecoma), androgens (androblastomas). Such tumors are easier to recognize in the early stages than others, since hormonal changes are manifested by characteristic changes in appearance and specific menstrual irregularities.
Germinogenous (their laying occurs simultaneously with the ovaries during prenatal development). These include, for example, teratomaforming from the same tissues as the embryo. It contains fragments of bones, skin, fat, teeth, hair.

Causes of ovarian tumors

The formation of ovarian tumors is most often associated with the occurrence of hormonal failure. It can be caused by diseases of the endocrine organs, diabetes mellitus, inflammation of the appendages, endometriosis.

A hormonal shift is the result of an abortion, the use of hormonal drugs (for example, to ease the symptoms of menopause), addiction to smoking or alcohol, and nervous stress. Often the cause of the tumor is infection with the human papillomavirus or genital herpes.

At increased risk are women who have their first period too early or late, menopause occurred at 40 years old and earlier, postmenopause occurred after 55 years. Often, ovarian tumors occur with infertility, the presence of uterine fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia. An important role is played by hereditary predisposition to the appearance of such neoplasms.

The more actively the ovaries work and the more ovulations occur, the higher the likelihood of tissue damage, as a result of which neoplasms appear in these organs. In those who have given birth repeatedly, the total number of ovulations decreases, so pathologies in the ovaries occur less frequently. Suppression of ovulation also occurs with the use of oral contraceptives.

Stimulation of this process with the help of hormonal drugs increases the likelihood of neoplasms. The cause of the formation of an ovarian tumor may be radioactive irradiation of the pelvic organs.

Note: Excessive consumption of animal fats, as well as foods with a high content of estrogen, contributes to an increase in the risk of the disease. Some substances that people come into contact with, such as asbestos, also have carcinogenic properties.

Complications possible with the formation of an ovarian tumor

Benign neoplasms prevent the onset and normal course of pregnancy. Their increase leads to disruption of the work of other organs. Some tumors are attached to the ovary with a thin stalk, the twisting of which leads to tissue necrosis. The neoplasm can burst, which leads to bleeding, peritonitis. A benign disease can turn into cancer.

With a malignant lesion of the ovaries, there is a threat to life. The probability of recovery depends on the size and growth rate of neoplasms, the presence of metastases.

The development of a primary malignant tumor occurs in stages and is manifested by the corresponding symptoms.

On the 1 stage cancer cells are found only in the ovary itself. Its capsule is gradually damaged. First one, and then the second organ is affected, fluid begins to accumulate in the abdominal cavity.

On the 2 stages cancer spreads to other organs of the small pelvis (primarily to the uterus).

On the 3 stages metastases are formed, in addition, cancer cells appear in nearby lymph nodes.

On the 4 stages cancer cells are found in distant parts of the body (in the lungs, liver and other organs), where they enter with blood and lymph.

Video: Signs of tumors in the ovaries

Symptoms of the appearance of tumors in the ovaries

In the early stages, the disease is usually asymptomatic. There may be mild sensations of pain of uncertain localization, as well as a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. An increase in the tumor, as a rule, leads to an increase in aching pain in the abdomen and lower back (especially after exercise), the occurrence of pain and bloody discharge during intercourse.

There is a violation of the menstrual cycle (menstruation lasts more than 7 days, their volume exceeds 100 ml). There are intermenstrual bleeding.

There is an increase in the abdomen due to the growth of the neoplasm and the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites). Difficulty urinating and defecation, bloating occurs. Violation of the functioning of the ovaries leads to infertility.

In addition, non-specific symptoms appear (also characteristic of other diseases), such as anemia, loss of appetite, weight loss, increased fatigue and weakness. There are changes in the composition of the blood. There is shortness of breath, there is an expansion of the veins in the legs.

The onset of the inflammatory process is indicated by an increase in body temperature, increased heart rate, the appearance of pathological vaginal discharge in a woman and bleeding between menstruation. If the tumor ruptures or twists its pedicle, there is sudden severe pain in the abdomen, symptoms of inflammation of the peritoneum, or severe internal bleeding, which require emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of the formation of epithelial tumors

Most often, the lesion is bilateral. Seals have a heterogeneous structure, inside there are thin, randomly scattered papillae. As a rule, it is possible to distinguish benign neoplasms of this type from malignant ones only by postoperative examination.

For malignant, it is characteristic that they grow rapidly and metastasize. In this case, symptoms of damage to various organs appear: cough, hemoptysis, bone pain and fractures, jaundice, headache, convulsions, impaired coordination of movements.

Symptoms of the formation of stromal tumors

They depend on what type of hormones the neoplasm secretes.

Estrogen-producing. Their occurrence leads to a sharp increase in the mammary glands in a girl, the appearance of vaginal bleeding in her (long before the first menstruation). Women of childbearing age experience heavy bleeding between periods.

In the presence of such a pathology, a woman of menopausal age looks much younger than her years, she has no wrinkles, as well as age-related skin pigmentation. If you pay attention to such signs early enough, then the probability of a cure for a malignant disease is 80-90%.

Androgen-producing. As a result of the disease, an excess of male sex hormones is formed in the body, which is manifested by the following symptoms:

the mammary glands are reduced;
menstruation gradually stops;
rough voice;
hair appears on the face, chest, back.

After removal of the neoplasm, these signs disappear.

Signs of the presence of germ cell tumors in women

They can be in their infancy indefinitely, without showing themselves. Their growth can be triggered by a change in the hormonal background or the occurrence of an ovarian injury.

Symptoms occur when an ovarian tumor enlarges and begins to press on other organs, disrupting blood circulation and interfering with their normal functioning.

Ovarian tumors and pregnancy

In rare cases, in the presence of such a pathology, pregnancy occurs, but, as a rule, it is spontaneously interrupted due to a deterioration in the general well-being of the woman. After removal of the neoplasm, conception becomes possible in 70% of cases.

The likelihood of such an ailment in pregnant women is approximately 2-4%. This can happen at any time. If the neoplasm is small, does not grow, moves freely during palpation, then most likely it is benign. It is removed after the birth of the child. If there is a possibility of complications, the neoplasm is removed laparoscopically, while trying to save the fetus. Most often, the operation is performed at 14-16 weeks.

If it is found that the tumor is malignant, then it is removed at any time. In the 3rd trimester, delivery is sometimes performed by caesarean section, the neoplasm is removed, chemotherapy and radiation are performed. In advanced cases, the pregnancy is terminated.

Video: How to recognize ovarian tumors in time

Diagnosis and treatment

An ovarian tumor is diagnosed both by gynecological examination and palpation of the lower abdomen, and by ultrasound of the pelvic organs. Dopplerography is performed to study the state of the vessels and detect blood flow disorders. CT and MRI are also used. A blood test is done for tumor markers.

Ovarian tumors must be removed surgically, including benign ones. The removed material is sent for histological examination to determine the nature of the pathology. Usually, combined treatment is carried out, which includes:

operation;
hormonal therapy with drugs that reduce estrogen levels (dufaston, tamoxifen) or antiandrogenic drugs (diane-35 based on progesterone and estradiol), oral contraceptives are also used to normalize hormonal levels;
chemotherapy with platinum drugs and radiation therapy (in the treatment of cancer).

Surgical treatment is carried out taking into account such factors as the nature and degree of development of the neoplasm, the severity of manifestations (the presence of ascites, complications in the liver, bladder and other organs). The age of the woman is taken into account.

In the presence of a benign tumor in a woman of childbearing age, a wedge resection is performed (the tumor itself or the affected part of the ovary is removed). For women of premenopausal age and older, the ovaries and uterus are completely removed due to the high risk of malignant degeneration of tumors (panhysterectomy is performed).

Before removing a malignant tumor of stage 2-4, chemotherapy is first performed to reduce the size of the neoplasm and stop its spread. At stage 4 of the disease, treatment only helps to alleviate the symptoms (the tumor mass is removed to reduce pain caused by squeezing the intestines and bladder).

- primary, secondary or metastatic tumor lesion of the female hormone-producing sex glands - the ovaries. In the early stages, ovarian cancer has few symptoms; pathognomonic manifestations are absent. Common forms are manifested by weakness, malaise, loss and perversion of appetite, dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, dysuric disorders, ascites. Diagnosis of ovarian cancer includes a physical and vaginal examination, ultrasound, MRI or CT of the pelvis, laparoscopy, the study of the tumor marker CA 125. In the treatment of ovarian cancer, a surgical approach (panhysterectomy), polychemotherapy, and radiotherapy are used.

General information

Ovarian cancer ranks seventh in the structure of general oncopathology (4-6%) and ranks third (after uterine body cancer and cervical cancer) among malignant tumors in oncogynecology. Most often, ovarian cancer affects pre-menopausal and menopausal women, although it is no exception among women under 40 years of age.

Causes

The problem of ovarian cancer development is considered from the standpoint of three hypotheses. It is believed that, like other ovarian tumors, ovarian cancer develops under conditions of prolonged hyperestrogenism, which increases the likelihood of tumor transformation in estrogen-sensitive gland tissue.

Another view on the genesis of ovarian cancer is based on the concept of constant ovulation with early onset of menarche, late menopause, a small number of pregnancies, and shortening of lactation. Continuous ovulation promotes changes in the epithelium of the ovarian stroma, thereby creating conditions for aberrant DNA damage and activation of oncogene expression.

The genetic hypothesis singles out women with family forms of breast and ovarian cancer among the potential risk group. According to observations, an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer is associated with the presence of infertility, ovarian dysfunction, endometrial hyperplasia, frequent oophoritis and adnexitis, uterine fibroids, benign tumors and ovarian cysts. The use of hormonal contraception for more than 5 years, on the contrary, reduces the likelihood of ovarian cancer by almost half.

Classification

According to the place of origin of the initial focus of cancer, primary, secondary and metastatic lesions of the ovaries are distinguished.

Primary ovarian cancer immediately develops in the gland. According to their histotype, primary tumors are epithelial formations of a papillary or glandular structure, less often they develop from cells of the integumentary epithelium. Primary ovarian cancer often has bilateral localization; has a dense texture and a bumpy surface; occurs predominantly in women under 30 years of age.
Secondary ovarian cancer. It accounts for up to 80% of clinical cases. The development of this form of cancer occurs from serous, teratoid or pseudomucinous ovarian cysts. Serous cystadenocarcinomas develop at the age of 50-60 years, mucinous - after 55-60 years. Secondary endometrioid cystadenocarcinomas occur in young women, usually suffering from infertility.
Metastatic ovarian disease develops as a result of the spread of tumor cells by hematogenous, implantation, lymphogenous pathways from primary foci in cancer of the stomach, breast, uterus, thyroid gland. Metastatic ovarian tumors have a rapid growth and unfavorable course, usually affect both ovaries, disseminate early in the pelvic peritoneum. Macroscopically, the metastatic form of ovarian cancer has a whitish color, a bumpy surface, a dense or doughy texture.

Rarer types of ovarian cancer are represented by papillary cystadenoma, granulosa cell, clear cell (mesonephroid) cancer, adenoblastoma, Brenner's tumor, stromal tumors, dysgerminoma, teratocarcinoma, etc. In clinical practice, ovarian cancer is evaluated according to the FIGO criteria (stages I-IV) and TNM (prevalence of the primary tumor, regional and distant metastases).

I (T1)- the spread of the tumor is limited to the ovaries:

IA (T1a) - cancer of one ovary without germination of its capsule and growth of tumor cells on the surface of the gland
IB (T1b) - cancer of both ovaries without germination of their capsules and growth of tumor cells on the surface of the glands
IC (T1c) - cancer of one or two ovaries with germination and / or rupture of the capsule, tumor growths on the surface of the gland, the presence of atypical cells in ascitic or lavage fluids

II (T2)- defeat of one or both ovaries with the spread of the tumor to the structures of the small pelvis:

IIA (T2a) - ovarian cancer has spread or metastasized to the fallopian tubes or uterus
IIB (T2b) - ovarian cancer spreads to other structures in the pelvis
IIC (T2c) - the tumor process is limited to the lesion of the small pelvis, the presence of atypical cells in ascitic or lavage fluids is determined

III (T3/N1)- defeat of one or both ovaries with metastasis of ovarian cancer in the peritoneum or in regional lymph nodes:

IIIA (T3a) - the presence of microscopically confirmed intraperitoneal metastases
IIIB (T3b) - macroscopically detectable intraperitoneal metastases up to 2 cm in diameter
IIIC (T3c / N1) - macroscopically detectable intraperitoneal metastases with a diameter of more than 2 cm or metastases to regional lymph nodes

IV (M1)- Metastasis of ovarian cancer to distant organs.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

The manifestations of ovarian cancer are variable, which is explained by the variety of morphological forms of the disease. With localized forms of ovarian cancer, symptoms are usually absent. In young women, ovarian cancer can manifest clinically with a sudden pain syndrome caused by torsion of the tumor stem or perforation of its capsule.

Activation of the manifestations of ovarian cancer develops as the tumor process spreads. There is an increase in malaise, weakness, fatigue, subfebrile condition; deterioration of appetite, gastrointestinal function (flatulence, nausea, constipation); the appearance of dysuric phenomena.

When the peritoneum is affected, ascites develops; in the case of metastases to the lungs - tumor pleurisy. In the later stages, cardiovascular and respiratory failure increases, edema of the lower extremities and thrombosis develop. Metastases in ovarian cancer, as a rule, are detected in the liver, lungs, bones.

Among malignant tumors of the ovaries there are hormonally active epithelial formations. Granulosa cell ovarian cancer is a feminizing tumor that contributes to precocious puberty in girls and the resumption of uterine bleeding in menopausal patients. A masculinizing tumor - adrenoblastoma, on the contrary, leads to hirsutism, a change in figure, breast reduction, and the cessation of menstruation.

Diagnostics

The complex of methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer includes a physical, gynecological, instrumental examination. Recognition of ascites and tumor can be made already in the course of palpation of the abdomen.

Gynecological examination although it allows to identify the presence of one- or two-sided ovarian formation, it does not give a clear idea of the degree of its good quality. With the help of a rectovaginal examination, the invasion of ovarian cancer into the parameters and pararectal tissue is determined.
visualization methods. With the help of transvaginal echography (ultrasound), MRI and CT of the small pelvis, an irregularly shaped volumetric formation without a clear capsule with tuberous contours and an unequal internal structure is detected; its size and degree of prevalence are estimated.
Diagnostic laparoscopy in ovarian cancer, it is necessary to conduct a biopsy and determine the histotype of the tumor, to collect peritoneal effusion or swabs for cytological examination. In some cases, obtaining ascitic fluid is possible through puncture of the posterior fornix of the vagina.

If ovarian cancer is suspected, a study of tumor-associated markers in serum (CA-19.9, CA-125, etc.) is indicated. To exclude the primary focus or metastases of ovarian cancer in distant organs, mammography, radiography of the stomach and lungs, and irrigoscopy are performed; Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, ultrasound of the pleural cavity, ultrasound of the thyroid gland; FGDS, sigmoidoscopy, cystoscopy, chromocystoscopy.

With appendages and subtotal resection of the greater omentum. During the operation, an intraoperative revision of the para-aortic lymph nodes with their urgent intraoperative histological examination is mandatory. With III-IV Art. ovarian cancer is performed cytoreductive intervention aimed at the maximum removal of tumor masses before chemotherapy. In case of inoperable processes, they are limited to a biopsy of the tumor tissue.

Anticancer therapy

Polychemotherapy for ovarian cancer can be carried out at the preoperative, postoperative stage or be an independent treatment for a common malignant process. Polychemotherapy (platinum preparations, chlorethylamines, taxanes) makes it possible to achieve suppression of mitosis and proliferation of tumor cells. Side effects of cytostatics are nausea, vomiting, neuro- and nephrotoxicity, inhibition of hematopoietic function. Radiation therapy for ovarian cancer has little effect.

Forecast and prevention

Long-term survival in ovarian cancer is determined by the stage of the disease, the morphological structure of the tumor and its differentiation. Depending on the tumor histotype, 60-90% of patients with stage I overcome the five-year survival threshold. ovarian cancer, 40-50% - from stage II, 11% - from stage III; 5% - from IV Art. More favorable in relation to the prognosis of serous and mucinous ovarian cancer; less - mesonephroid, undifferentiated, etc.

In the postoperative period after a radical hysterectomy (panhysterectomy), patients require systematic monitoring by an oncogynecologist, preventing the development of post-castration syndrome. In the prevention of ovarian cancer, a significant role is given to the timely detection of benign tumors of the glands, oncological prophylactic examinations, and reducing the impact of adverse factors.

Tumors of the ovaries are pathological formations of the appendages that develop at different periods of a woman's life.

Some neoplasms can occur in infants, others in women during the reproductive period, and others are disturbed after the onset of menopause.

It should be noted that many ovarian tumors, the symptoms of which do not make themselves felt for a long time, can eventually degenerate into malignant ones, leading to an unfavorable prognosis. Therefore, it is so important to undergo a preventive gynecological examination at least twice a year.

Tumors and tumor-like formations are a common pathology of the genital organs. Tumor-like formations of the ovaries - false neoplasms with a capsule filled with fluid

An ovarian tumor in women is a volumetric formation growing from the tissues of the appendage. First, one appendage is affected, then the pathological process passes to another. The tumor of the right ovary practically does not differ from that in the left ovary.

Causes

Tumors and tumor-like formations of the ovaries have a variety of manifestations, but the causes may be similar:

most neoplasms develop in women aged 30 to 60 years;
chronic inflammation of the genital organs;
hereditary predisposition;
infertility, persistent menstrual disorders;
endocrine diseases (myxedema, diabetes mellitus, pathologies of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland);
harmful production conditions (contact with carcinogens).

The causes of virilizing ovarian tumors are not well understood, it is assumed that they are formed in the embryonic period from part of the male gonads (gonads).

Classification

According to the WHO classification, modern gynecology distinguishes the following types of tumors of the appendages:

neoplasms of the surface epithelium, stroma (mucinous, serous, endometrioid, clear cell, transitional cell, epithelial-stromal);
germinogenic;
malignant;
metastatic, extraovarian origin;
neoplasms of the stroma of the sex cord.

Clinical classification of tumors: benign, borderline, malignant.

Benign ovarian tumors

Gynecologists divide benign ovarian tumors into cystomas and cysts. Cystoms are considered true, and cysts are not true. They are less dangerous than true ones, since they do not grow, but only accumulate liquid. Benign tumors often have no symptoms and are detected during a gynecological examination.

Malignant

Malignant ovarian tumors - carcinomas, can be primary (grow from the ovary) and secondary (form from metastatic cells of the stomach or other organs).

Malignant carcinomas are insidious in that they are asymptomatic at first, so they are not always detected immediately.

According to the clinical protocol for diagnosis and treatment, patients with benign neoplasms larger than 6 cm or persisting for six months must undergo inpatient examination and treatment.

Brenner tumor

A very rare neoplasm, it grows extremely slowly, proceeds without any special symptoms, therefore it is not immediately detected.

Most often occurs in women over 40 years of age. At the last stage, it is characterized by large sizes, manifested by painful sensations and other unpleasant symptoms.

The prognosis at the last stage is unfavorable - without timely surgical intervention, a fatal outcome is possible.

Sex cord stromal tumors

Neoplasms of the stroma of the sex cord are considered hormonally active. These include:

granulosa cell neoplasms that produce estrogens;
thecomas that develop during menopause;
androblastomas that produce androgens, which cause the appearance of secondary male characteristics in women.

In girls, stromal lesions cause premature puberty, spotting, and if the affected appendage is not removed in time, there is a danger of tissue degeneration into malignant ones.

Epithelial ovarian tumors

Formed from the epithelial tissue of the appendage. Depending on the structure and internal contents, epithelial ovarian tumors are divided into serous and mucinous, most often occur in women after 40-50 years.

germinogenic

Ovarian germ cell tumors are neoplasms that develop from primary, or germ, cells of the gonads.

Germinogenic teratomas, malignant ovarian dysgerminomas, chorionepitheliomas, embryonic carcinomas can form from them.

Immature teratomas are malignant, rapidly growing masses. Mature teratomas are benign, unilocular cysts, often found in young women or children, and may contain fat, hair, and teeth.

Dysgerminomas are malignant forms that develop against the background of underdevelopment of the genital organs, require surgical treatment followed by the appointment of radiotherapy.

Chorionepitheliomas are malignant tumors that develop from cells of the chorion (hairy membrane of the fetus). The main reasons are the drift of chorion cells during pathological pregnancy, after a miscarriage or abortion.

True

A true tumor, or ovarian cystoma, is a growth capable of growth. There are cystomas benign, malignant and borderline, that is, potentially malignant.

An increased risk of developing such a pathology is typical for women who have undergone surgery on the appendages, suffering from inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, hormonal disorders, aggravated heredity, and oncology of the mammary glands.

Treatment is surgical, with obligatory histological examination.

Virilizing ovarian tumor

Virilizing (androgen-producing) ovarian tumor is a rare pathology, most common among women in their twenties. These include:

thecomas - frequency of occurrence 60%;
granulosa cells - sizes vary from a few millimeters to 30 centimeters, have the ability to degenerate into malignant ones;
neoplasms from Sertoli-Leydig cells - androblastoma, consist of cells similar in structure to male gonads;
stromal cell - a source of increased production of male androgens.

These tumors are prone to the formation of metastases, therefore, they must be surgically removed.

endometrioid

Endometrioid ovarian tumor refers to a benign form of pathology, but there is a small risk of degeneration into a malignant form.

It is usually small in size, with a thick outer capsule and dense outer adhesions. Symptoms of an endometriosis tumor:

aching constant pain, aggravated on critical days, radiating to the lower back, perineum, rectal area;
tendency to constipation, periodic chills.

The method of treatment is endoscopic surgery followed by hormone therapy.

Meigs syndrome

Meigs syndrome often occurs with ovarian fibroma, accompanied by ascites (an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity) or hydrothorax (the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity).

Symptoms - an increase in the abdomen, shortness of breath, weakness, swelling, pain are often absent. With a successful operation, the prognosis is favorable.

Hormone-producing ovarian tumors

The main hormonally active ovarian tumors are follicles, thecomas, and arrhenoblastomas. They occur not only in adulthood, but also in childhood.

Folliculomas can occur even in infants. They are characterized by estrogenic activity. Excess of these hormones causes premature puberty, menstrual disorders.

Pain is practically absent. According to the clinical course, follicles are distinguished benign or malignant.

Serous

Serous tumors (cystomas) can be single-chamber, two-chamber, multi-chamber. They have a round, oval shape. From the inside, the wall of the capsule is covered with a single layer of cubic, sometimes ciliated epithelium.

Cystomas are often painless, such tumors do not disturb the hormonal background and the menstrual cycle. Sometimes women complain of cramping pains in the lower abdomen or lower back.

Determined by ultrasound or during a vaginal examination. Treated only by surgical removal of one or both appendages.

Symptoms

Early symptoms of an ovarian tumor are non-specific, regardless of whether the tumors are benign or malignant:

predominantly unilateral, minor, pulling pain in the lower abdomen;
irregular menstruation in some women;
frequent urge to urinate;
weight change, abdominal enlargement, bowel dysfunction.

An increase in size leads to an increase in the manifestation of symptoms of an ovarian tumor.

Many neoplasms are almost asymptomatic for a long time, others associated with changes in the hormonal background are characterized by the absence or violation of the menstrual cycle, a decrease in the size of the mammary glands, the appearance of acne, and excessive growth of body hair.

In the third or fourth stage of cancer, symptoms such as:

weakness, anemia, shortness of breath;
intestinal obstruction;
severe pain.

Torsion of the cyst leg is accompanied by sudden sharp pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, cold sticky sweat, increased pulse rate.

Signs in menopause

The likelihood of developing neoplasms during menopause is low, especially if a woman gave birth, breastfeeding, and took contraceptives.

But at the same time, an increased risk is observed in patients who have relatives with similar problems, who have never become pregnant and are over 50 years of age.

The appearance of pain in the leg and abdominal cavity during menopause, weight changes (loss or gain), dysfunction of the intestines and bladder, swelling on one side in the lower abdomen are alarm signals that may be symptoms of epididymal lesions.

At the slightest manifestation of such signs, you should definitely visit a gynecologist.

Diagnostics

Suspicion of a tumor is detected during routine gynecological examinations or complaints of discomfort in the lower abdomen. To establish an accurate diagnosis are assigned:

laboratory tests (general blood count, urine, blood for tumor markers);
instrumental examination (ultrasound, CT, MRI, puncture).

The most accessible and reliable research method is ultrasound, with its help you can track the position, size, dynamics of development.

MRI or CT provides a layered image of the pathological organ, its structure and contents. With the help of a puncture, blood or fluid can be detected in the abdominal cavity.

Treatment

The choice of methods of treatment depends on the age, condition of the patient, type of neoplasm - this is drug therapy, physio - and herbal medicine, surgical intervention.

It is possible to establish whether an operable or inoperable ovarian tumor in a patient is possible only after opening the abdominal cavity.

If it has grown and grown into the intestines or other organs, it is completely impossible to remove it. In such cases, chemotherapy, laser treatment, and drug maintenance therapy are prescribed.

Medical

If there is no question of surgery, complex drug therapy is prescribed for the treatment of neoplasms:

hormonal drugs (Utrozhestan, Duphaston) regulate the level of hormones in case of their excess or deficiency, prevent relapses;
contraceptives (Janine, Diana, Norkolut, Regulon) reduce the production of hormones that cause cysts to grow;
anti-inflammatory drugs (Longidaza, Indomethacin) have anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, antipyretic, analgesic effects;
immunomodulators (Wobenzym, Timalin) increase the body's resistance.

Caution: Only a doctor can prescribe these drugs - some have serious contraindications or side effects. Treatment should take place under the control of the condition of the appendages (vaginal examination, ultrasound, blood tumor markers).

In the presence of functional neoplasms, to prevent their growth, hormone therapy is prescribed for women of both reproductive age and those who have menopause and ovulation has stopped.

In the presence of a virilizing ovarian tumor, it is removed with maximum preservation of healthy tissue areas and a biopsy of the second one.

Surgical

The choice of surgical technique depends on the age, health status of the patient, the results of tumor markers and other studies. If there is no papillary cyst, young women undergo a conservative operation to exfoliate the neoplasm or resect the epididymis.

In other cases, an ovariotomy is performed - a radical surgical operation to remove the tumor of one or two ovaries.

For young women, only one affected organ is removed; in older patients, bilateral ovarian removal is often used to avoid malignancy of tissue cells.

Operations can be either emergency or planned. Emergency surgery to remove an ovarian tumor is performed in the event of extensive bleeding, rupture of a cyst, and the presence of malignant neoplasms.

Folk methods

Treatment with folk remedies using plants or bee products is aimed at preventing the division of pathological cells. You can choose recipes with the help of a phytotherapist or your doctor.

Propolis

The life product of bees - propolis, has anti-carcinogenic properties, slows down the growth of pathological cells, protects the body from their growth, and triggers tissue regeneration.

Pharmaceutical plates of propolis or oil based on it are used three times a day and slow down the process of division of pathological cells.

Herbal preparations

It is possible to cure the affected organ at the initial stage of the disease without surgery by supplementing drug treatment with collections of medicinal plants.

Healing herbal infusion from the root of burdock, or burdock, and astragalus, sage, golden hair, gorse and cuff perfectly restores body cells, helps to cope with ovarian cysts.

Ginger root, hop cones, common cuff, cumin (sandy immortelle), sophora root have anti-cancer properties.

Caution: Any medicinal herbs, in addition to the therapeutic effect, may have contraindications. Therefore, consultation with a doctor about the use of folk remedies is a prerequisite.

It is also necessary to monitor the effectiveness of treatment (blood tests, ultrasound, CT). Independent uncontrolled treatment can lead to poor health.

Complications

A complicated course of the disease caused by pathological changes in the appendage develops in case of late diagnosis or neglected treatment. Complications include:

torsion of the cyst leg (leads to necrotic phenomena);
suppuration of the contents, the formation of fistulas or rupture of the cyst capsule;
infertility.

Malignancy (malingization) of a virilizing ovarian tumor, depending on the shape of the cyst, reduces the survival rate of patients.

With mucinous lesions of the organ, mortality is 80%, with epithelial lesions - 50%. The lowest survival rate for granulosa cells is only 5-30%.

In all these cases, planned or emergency surgical intervention is indicated.

Forecast

Studies of domestic doctors and members of the International Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists give favorable prognoses for the appearance of germinogenic or benign lesions of the ovary.

Early, at the first stage, detection of other pathologies increases the survival rate of patients. At the third or fourth stage of malignant tumors, the prognosis is unfavorable - the probability of death is high.

Prevention

There are no specific rules for the prevention of neoplasms of the appendages, but it is possible to reduce the likelihood of their development. Every woman needs to know the characteristics of her body and follow the general recommendations:

maintain weight in a physiological norm;
include vegetables and fruits in the diet that contain a sufficient amount of vegetable fiber;
do not abuse alcohol, stop smoking;
do not forget about physical exercises and daily walks in the air.

This is interesting: Luule Viilma, an Estonian gynecologist and esotericist, writes that health will come when a person finds the psychological cause of his illnesses.

In particular, tumor diseases of the organs are associated with anger at others or oneself. A change of mind starts the program of recovery.

Be sure to visit a gynecologist at least 1-2 times a year. At the slightest suspicion of a disease of the gonads, you need to undergo a complete medical examination, including blood tests for tumor markers, ultrasound, computed or magnetic resonance imaging.

Timely detection of pathology and its treatment increase the survival rate of patients, the terms of rehabilitation, and maintain the quality of life.

Ovarian cancer is an oncological disease that ranks second in terms of frequency of detection, after the disease -. Due to the fact that it is very difficult to diagnose, the result of its development can be fatal.

At an early stage, it is recognized only in 30% of women. And in 70% of women, this pathological process makes itself felt in the event of the onset of stage 3 or 4.

A woman's ovaries are made up of three layers of tissue:

sealing layer. It is responsible for the production of the egg.
layer of stromal cells. Promotes the synthesis of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
epithelial layer. Covers the surface of the ovaries.

The type of malignant tumor depends on the nature of the lesion of a certain cell layer of the appendages.

This pathological process most often begins in the epithelial layer, and in its beginning it has a benign neoplasm. But under the influence of negative factors, it develops into a malignant form, goes beyond the ovaries and spreads throughout the body.

Causes of ovarian cancer

The etiology of the development of a malignant ovarian tumor is not fully understood.

But there are a number of reasons that contribute to its occurrence:

In addition to the causes that lead to this pathology, there are risk factors.

These include:

Old age (after 65 years) and the onset of menopause.
The use of drugs to conceive a child (if their use did not result in a positive effect).
Genetic predisposition in the female line.
Oncological.
in a dosage exceeding the therapeutic one, as well as in the case of self-prolongation of the course of treatment.
If the patient has a history of diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic vascular lesions, severe arterial hypertension, overweight.
Tobacco smoking and excessive addiction to alcohol-containing drinks.
Harmful working conditions (constant contact with active chemicals).

There are also hypotheses that allow the development of this disease if:

There is excessive activity in the pituitary-hypothalamus system. As a result, an increased synthesis of estrogens develops, which can cause tissue hyperplasia, and the appearance of atypical cells.
An early menstrual cycle occurs. This very often occurs due to the acceleration of the younger generation.
Relatives (mother, grandmother) were ill with the same disease, or they were found to have.

Classification of ovarian cancer

This pathological process is characterized by staging of the disease.

In accordance with the degree of damage, 4 stages of this disease are distinguished:

The American Joint Cancer Investigating Committee system is also used to classify ovarian cancer. It is customary to call it TNM.

Each letter corresponds to a specific disease state:

Ovarian cancer, category T, in combination with numbers indicates the location of the tumor, the presence of fluid in it, the number of affected appendages.
Ovarian oncology, which is assigned category N, indicates the spread of the disease in the regional lymph nodes.
If this pathological process is assigned category M, then it indicates the number of metastases, and the organs in which they appeared.

The most common forms of ovarian cancer are:

Serous.
Glandular.
Mucinous.
Epithelial.
Mixed.

Primary malignant tumors appear in the form of:

Dysgerminomas, which is characterized by a high degree of malignancy and consists of ovarian tissue.
Carcinoma. It is based on hypertrophy of the connective tissue.
Teratoma. Formed in the mother's womb.
Gonadoblastoma. The cause of the occurrence is a genetic failure.
chorionepithelioma. It affects the female body in reproductive age; of all forms of ovarian cancer, it has the greatest ability to progress and become malignant. If diagnosed, it poses a serious threat to the life of the patient.

Primary signs of ovarian cancer

The danger of this pathology lies in the fact that the symptomatology shown is not specific, it very often resembles a picture of other gynecological diseases.

But the appearance of the following symptoms, in most cases, makes a woman turn to a gynecologist:

The main symptoms of ovarian cancer

Unfortunately, the first signs of this pathology are not taken seriously by sick women, the disease begins to progress and symptoms appear that indicate the development of ovarian cancer:

Can you diagnose yourself?

It is impossible to diagnose ovarian cancer on your own. Sometimes even a specialist cannot do this during a gynecological examination. Therefore, the gynecologist prescribes an ultrasound examination, a blood test for antibodies, an MRI. It is the diagnosis at an early stage of the disease that gives a positive effect in the treatment of this pathology.

Diagnosis of ovarian cancer

In the early stages of the disease, an accurate diagnosis is difficult. This is due to the blurring of the clinical picture. There are no exact symptoms during this period of the disease.

If ovarian cancer is suspected, after performing two-handed palpations, to confirm an accurate diagnosis, the doctor prescribes:

Survival prognosis for ovarian cancer

Diagnosis of early stages of ovarian cancer is difficult. The presence of this disease in most cases is established by chance, during routine medical examinations. Or during an ultrasound examination, which is performed to make an accurate diagnosis of another pathology that is not related to gynecology. In the treatment of this process, the stages and forms of ovarian cancer are taken into account.

And the prognosis for the outcome of this disease is given:

At the fourth stage of this pathological process, it is necessary to carry out all the recommended methods of treatment.

Because it is in this period that:

Blockade of the bile ducts, which leads to the development of cholestasis (obstructive jaundice).
Due to the fact that there is a violation of blood clotting increases the risk of stroke or thromboembolism.
Bone marrow cells are inhibited, the blood-forming system suffers from this.
The appearance of new metastases, causes a pronounced pain syndrome.
Arterial thrombosis develops, and as its consequence, there is a gangrenous lesion of the legs.

Metastasis

There are three ways to promote the spread of a cancerous tumor throughout the body:

90% of the total number of metastases are caused by implantation and lymphogenous spread.

As the oncological process spreads, the main symptoms are added:

Hacking cough with bloody sputum.
Yellowness of the skin.
Damage to the nervous system. They occur without a cause of headache, fainting and convulsive conditions appear.

The main method of treatment, only surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy do not have any therapeutic effect on metastases.

Complications of ovarian cancer

The clinical picture of complications in the development of ovarian cancer is diverse.

The most common complications are:

Ascites in ovarian cancer

The accumulation of exudate or transudate (fluid) in the peritoneal region causes the appearance of ascites. This is a secondary sign of ovarian cancer. The appearance of this pathological process indicates that the disease has passed into the third or fourth stage. This pathology is observed in 5% of women who fell ill with this oncological process.

Ascites is 60% fatal.

In addition to the fact that this condition in itself is a dangerous consequence of a cancerous tumor, it can lead to the development of serious complications:

The patient may experience difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath.
Attacks of dizziness that occur against the background of general weakness of the whole organism.
There are symptoms of stagnation in the small and large circles of blood circulation.
There is a decrease in the level of protein in the blood plasma, which leads to the appearance of edema.

Ascites in this type of disease appears due to:

Violations of elasticity and increased permeability of the vascular walls.
Violation of the lymphatic system.
Metastases in the abdominal cavity.
Functional changes in the peritoneum.

The main symptoms of ascites include:

Since this is a secondary symptom, in order to eliminate it, it is necessary to treat the underlying pathology. At this stage of ovarian cancer, positive dynamics can only be achieved with the help of surgery and subsequent chemotherapy.

To alleviate suffering from this pathology, the patient is prescribed diuretics ( Furosemide, Veroshpiron, Lasix), hepatoprotectors, solutions of amino acids.

To reduce the amount of transudate, it is possible to perform a puncture, the amount of fluid removed at a time should not exceed 5 liters.

The prognosis of life with ascites is unfavorable, the average life expectancy cannot exceed 5 years.

Treatment of ovarian cancer

Consider the main methods of treating ovarian cancer:

Surgical intervention
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Immunotherapy
hormone therapy
palliative technique.

Surgical intervention

In order to stop the further development of the pathological process, the method of surgical intervention is used.

(the operation is aimed at the complete removal of the body of the uterus and its appendages) is not only a traumatic operation. It causes great psychological trauma to a sick woman, in some cases leads to symptoms of depression.

Therefore, when performing surgery, an important aspect is the mental preparation of the patient. If possible, it is necessary to create an atmosphere of peace of mind and mental balance.

The basis of this technique is the excessive sensitivity of atypical cancer cells to certain chemical compounds. For this purpose, drugs of the pharmacological group of ethyleneimine are used ( Etimidine, Cyclophosphamide) in combination with alkylating compounds.

Chemistry is performed regardless of the form and how advanced the disease is.

But there are a number of contraindications:

Severe forms of violation of the liver and kidneys.
Neurological and mental disorders that have a severe course.
Allergy to the main ingredients of chemotherapy drugs.

Radiation therapy

This type of treatment is used only when chemotherapy has not brought significant positive results, or in combination with palliative treatment. It has been rarely used lately. This is the reason for the occurrence of many side effects and relatively low efficiency.

Radiation therapy may be accompanied by the manifestation of the following complications:

How effective was the radiation therapy, it becomes known within a month.

Immunotherapy

The state of immunity, with ovarian cancer, can noticeably decrease.

To prevent this process, he uses biological preparations that have antitumor activity:

Cytokines.
The antibodies are monoclonal.

They are able to disrupt the nutrition and blood supply of an oncological tumor. Promotes the termination of their growth, and prevent metastasis.

To create a biovaccine, cell material taken from a donor is used. After chemical treatment, it is administered by injection into the body of a sick woman. During immunotherapy, the patient is under medical supervision. And, if necessary, can lie in a hospital.

If this treatment is started early in the development of ovarian cancer, the cure rate is up to 80%.

Palliative technique

This type of therapy is prescribed for those patients who are in the stage of an inoperable cancerous tumor. The main goal of this type of treatment is to alleviate the suffering of a woman, improve her general condition, and relieve pain.

hormone therapy

This is an additional method of treatment, used during the development of menopause. Sick women are prescribed testosterone propionate. It is administered by intramuscular injection of 50 mg for 60 days.

After that, it is possible to apply Methyltestosterone sublingually (under the tongue). Treatment begins with 30 mg every day, gradually lowering the dose to 10 mg. A good effect is achieved by adding drugs from the group of corticosteroids, estrogens and progestins.

After treatment for ovarian cancer, it is recommended:

After ovarian cancer therapy, daily physical activity in the first months should not exceed 60 minutes. Gradually there is an increase.

Prevention

Preventive measures do not give a complete guarantee against the development of ovarian cancer. However, their observance reduces the factors for the development of this pathology.

Women from the age of eighteen should follow the following recommendations:

Take as a basis a visit to the gynecologist at least 2 times a year.
Quit smoking and drink alcohol as little as possible.
Adjust and balance proper food intake. It should be rich in fiber and protein. It should not contain excessive amounts of fats and carbohydrates. Be sure to contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals.
Do morning exercises every day, and go to the gym during the week.
It is desirable that the first childbirth occurs in the period from 20 to 25 years.
It is very important to avoid direct ultraviolet irradiation, while resting, not to be in direct sunlight for a long time.

Ovarian cancer is a severe and serious disease. The appearance of the first signs of this pathology should alert women, and is the reason for an urgent visit to a gynecologist.

It is very important to recognize this disease at an early stage of its development. This will allow a woman to live, easily endure the disease and produce a normal conception and childbearing (even after the operation).