When the cells in the ovary begin to multiply abnormally and form a tumor, it is called metastatic ovarian cancer. Two ovaries in the female body produces the egg or ova, and they are the same organs that produce the female hormones progesterone and estrogen. The signs of ovarian cancer are often overlooked as they resemble any common illness, which makes treatment much more difficult.

Here are a few of the early symptoms:

• Abdominal pressure, pain, and bloating
• Feeling full immediately after eating
• Difficulty in eating
• Frequent urination

Other symptoms include heartburn, fatigue, indigestion, back pain, constipation, irregular menstruation, painful intercourse, and dermatomyositis.

1. What are the types of ovarian cancer?
The ovaries are made up of three types of cells, and each can develop into a different tumor:

• Epithelial tumors are formed in the tissue layer outside the ovaries. Most ovarian cancer cases are due to epithelial tumors.
• Germ cell tumors are formed in the cells that produce the egg. This is an extremely rare type of cancer.
• Stromal tumors grow in the cells that produce hormones, and 7% of ovarian cancer cases are due to stromal tumors.

2. What are the risk factors of ovarian cancer?
While the exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, certain risk factors increase the risk of developing it:

• Genetic mutations of the genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2 that are connected to ovarian cancer
• A family history of ovarian cancer
• Personal history of colon, breast, or uterine cancer
• Endometriosis
• Obesity
• Use of harmful fertility drugs
• Obesity

3. How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
Ovarian cancer is much easier to treat and the treatment if much more effective when it is diagnosed in the early stages, but it is difficult to diagnose. Since the ovaries are present deep in the abdominal cavity, routine screening may not always detect the condition.

This makes it important for a doctor to recommend a pelvic exam or a rectovaginal pelvic exam based on the severity of the symptoms if they persist over time. Apart from these tests, a transvaginal ultrasound, blood tests, a pelvic CT scan, and a biopsy is recommended for diagnosis.

There are a few tips that are recommended for all women to help detect ovarian cancer in the early stages:

• Get a pap smear done frequently as it can help detect the presence of cells that might be cancerous
• Get a rectal exam as it can help find abnormalities
• Understand your body and consult a doctor in case of any abnormal signs

4. What are the foods that help fight ovarian cancer?
Studies have shown that including cruciferous vegetables in your diet can help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer:

• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Arugula
• Bok choy
• Cabbage
• Daikon
• Horseradish
• Daikon
• Collard greens

5. What are the treatments for ovarian cancer?
The treatments depend on the stage and type of ovarian cancer. The options may include the following methods:

• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
• Surgery to remove the tumor
• Targeted therapy
• Hormone therapy

6. Can ovarian cancer be prevented?
While there are no ways to eliminate the risk of ovarian cancer, certain steps can help reduce the risk:

• Breastfeeding
• Pregnancy
• Oral birth control pills
• Surgical procedures on the reproductive organs