Questions and answers about ovarian cancer

By | August 28, 2014

 

 

Who ails? How do I prevent it?What treatments are available?An expert answers us

Questions and answers about ovarian cancer

On the theme talked with Dr.. Dolores Gallardo, Director of Education National Cancer Institute, who gave us information about the fifth most common cancer among women. Here are some questions and answers about ovarian cancer.

What is ovarian cancer?

The ovaries have a coating consisting of epithelial cells , the malignant transformation of these cells arise most ovarian cancers.

Who is affected?

It develops mainly in women between 50 and 70 years s. One of the risk factors is to be in menopause, so that from that time are recommended transvaginal checkups.

Are the causes are known?

Until recently people were not sure of the causes that trigger ovarian cancer but was now known to have a hereditary pattern . It is expressed mainly in the mutation of the gene s BRCA1, located on chromosome 17, and BRCA2, located on chromosome 13.

Are there any new treatments for this cancer?

Currently there are drugs that delay time of the progression of this tumor. Initial treatment is to remove the tumor by surgery (the affected area is removed), then the patient is observed and is followed by chemotherapy.

It is also common to use targeted therapies with molecular libraries , that is, drugs or other substances that block the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with it with specific molecules involved in the growth and progression of tumors. Another interesting treatment is personalized therapies based on the mutated BRCA gene.

What are the preventive measures?

I stress, take into account risk factors such as menopause , in this case a transvaginal ultrasound is recommended once a year to check on the ovaries. Eye, papanocolau not detect ovarian cancer, so this study is not enough.

Women at increased risk (family history) may opt for preventive surgery , removal of both ovaries so that cancer can not grow in them.

Women who undergo various fertility therapies should be wary. Do not exaggerate in such therapies, ideally no more than three times subjected to treatments to conceive.

Patients who have a history of colon cancer , breast cancer and endometriosis should also exercise caution, as well as those who have undergone hormone replacement therapy.

Are there symptoms that can help identify it?

The most common are gastrointestinal symptoms and colitis persist you. Pain or swelling in the abdomen and pelvis, pain during menstruation, gas, bloating and constipation. Many women think that is normal, but should not be overlooked because unfortunately ovarian cancer is detected at advanced stage.

What medical resources are available to improve the quality of life of the patient?

To reduce the effects of chemotherapy used antiemetic drug s, which reduce vomiting. There is something for hair loss but there are aesthetic resources as turbans are beautiful. There vaccines for low defenses but especially counseling . It was found that a lower level of stress, improved therapeutic response. Should be an integral process comprising disease management, meditation and even yoga and relaxation therapies or cooking classes.

If you know someone with this condition, Give her a your support and information.

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