Specialists in ovarian cancer treatment at Quirónsalud Torrevieja

At Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, we have a team of specialists with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer characterized by abnormal cell growth in the ovaries. These cells can multiply rapidly and damage healthy tissues in the body. Standard treatment for ovarian cancer typically includes both surgery and chemotherapy.

Below, we present the most important information about the ovaries and ovarian cancer: its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and available treatment options.

What Are the Ovaries?

The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that are part of a woman's reproductive system.

Where are the ovaries located?

These are two almond-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus, in the lower part of the abdominal cavity, within the pelvis.

What are the functions of the ovaries?

The ovaries perform two basic functions in a woman's body:

• produce female sex hormones, such as estrogens and progesterone, which play a role in the development of female sexual characteristics;
• produce and release an egg during the menstrual cycle.

The ovaries therefore play a key role in a woman's fertility and reproductive functions.

Ovarian Diseases

The ovaries can be affected by various diseases and disorders:

• Ovarian tumors: They can be benign or malignant, as in the case of ovarian cancer.
• Ovarian cysts: fluid-filled structures that form in the ovaries. They can vary in size, and most are benign and often resolve on their own. Types include, among others, dermoid cysts, follicular cysts, corpus luteum cysts, cystic adenomas, and endometrial cysts.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a disorder associated, among other things, with elevated androgen levels.
• Endometriosis: occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
• Primary ovarian insufficiency: occurs when the ovaries stop functioning properly before the age of 40.
• Ovarian torsion: This occurs when the ovary rotates around its axis, restricting blood flow. It can cause sudden and severe abdominal pain.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells develop in the tissues of the ovary.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

There are three main groups of ovarian cancers: epithelial cancers, germ cell cancers, and sex cord-stromal cancers.

• Epithelial cancer: This is the most common type of ovarian cancer. It develops from cells on the surface of the ovary. This group includes various subtypes, such as serous, mucinous, and endometrioid cancers.
• Germ cell tumors: These develop from germ cells in the ovary.
• Germ cell and stromal tumors: These arise from cells in the tissue that forms the structure of the ovary and is involved in hormone production.

Dr. Rodolfo Martín Díaz, a gynecologist and obstetrician at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, explains the most important facts about ovarian cancer: whether it can be prevented, what the most common symptoms are, and what treatment options are currently available.

Causes and Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, so there is no way to completely prevent the development of this disease. However, it is known that certain factors can increase the risk of developing the disease.

These include:

• a family history of ovarian cancer;
• hereditary genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which also increase the risk of breast cancer;
• older age – the risk increases with age;
• reproductive history, e.g., no children or giving birth to the first child after age 35;
• long-term use of hormone therapy;
• certain genetic disorders;
• being overweight or obese;
• no previous pregnancies;
• early onset of menarche, late menopause, or both of these factors at the same time.

If there have been cases of ovarian cancer in your family, you should tell your doctor.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer can develop without any obvious symptoms, which makes it difficult to detect in its early stages. In addition, some symptoms are nonspecific and can be mistaken for benign conditions.

Possible symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• bloating or an increase in abdominal circumference;
• a rapid feeling of fullness while eating and a loss of appetite;
• unexplained weight loss;
• discomfort or pain in the pelvic area;
• persistent fatigue and difficulty breathing;
• chronic back pain;
• changes in bowel habits, such as constipation;
• frequent and urgent urge to urinate;
• discomfort or pain when urinating.

If any of these symptoms persist for an extended period or worsen, it is advisable to consult a specialist.

Diagnosing ovarian cancer at an early stage can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.

How is ovarian cancer detected?

Diagnostic testing may include the following tests:

Gynecological pelvic exam: A doctor can detect abnormalities in the ovaries or pelvis. However, the exam alone is not sufficient to detect all cases of ovarian cancer.

Blood tests: These may include the measurement of tumor markers.

Transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound: provides a detailed image of the ovaries and pelvis and helps detect potential abnormalities.

Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): These tests provide more detailed images of the ovaries and other pelvic organs. They also help assess the stage of the disease and plan treatment.

Biopsy: In certain cases, it may be necessary to take a tissue sample to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Is ovarian cancer curable?

Treatment options and prognosis depend on many factors, including:

• the stage at which the cancer was detected;
• a specific type of ovarian cancer;
• the body's response to the treatment administered;
• the patient's overall health.

Ovarian cancer is usually easier to treat effectively when it is diagnosed at an early stage, before the disease has spread to other organs.

Ovarian Cancer – Prognosis and Life Expectancy

Every case is different, so the prognosis and treatment outcomes depend on each patient’s individual situation.

Our center is staffed by an experienced team of specialists in cancer treatment who develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Treatment for ovarian cancer may involve several different methods.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is often the first step in treating ovarian cancer. The extent of the surgery depends on the stage of the disease and may include the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and other nearby structures affected by the cancer.

Types of Operations

Diagnostic and staging surgery: Its purpose is to determine the extent of the tumor and to establish whether the disease has spread to nearby organs or tissues. During the procedure, the surgeon may take tissue samples for further testing.

Cytoreductive surgery: This procedure is performed in more advanced cases of ovarian cancer, when the tumor has spread to other structures in the abdominal cavity. The goal of the surgery is to reduce the tumor mass as much as possible and to increase the effectiveness of other treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Hysterectomy with bilateral removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries: In some cases, especially when the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage and is confined to the ovaries and fallopian tubes, it may be necessary to remove the uterus along with the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Da Vinci Robotic Surgery

Da Vinci robotic surgery can be used to treat selected patients with ovarian cancer.

Like laparoscopy, this is a minimally invasive technique in which the procedure is performed through small incisions, and the surgeon views the surgical field on a screen.

However, the Da Vinci system provides a very clear three-dimensional image and uses advanced robotic instruments that give the surgeon greater precision, control, and range of motion. The surgeon operates the system from a console located near the patient.

Fertility-Preserving Surgery

For young women who wish to preserve their ability to have children, fertility-sparing treatment may be considered in select cases. This may involve removing only the affected ovary or the tumor itself, while preserving the uterus and the other ovary.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is commonly used to destroy any cancer cells that may remain after surgery.

It can also be used before surgery to reduce the size of a tumor or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Some types of ovarian cancer can be treated with drugs that target specific characteristics of cancer cells.

Such therapies include, among others, PARP inhibitors and other molecular therapies.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.

Although it is used less frequently than surgery and chemotherapy in the treatment of ovarian cancer, it can be useful in certain situations, such as for pain relief or to treat specific areas affected by the disease.

The treatment of ovarian cancer often requires a combination of several therapeutic approaches.

Do you need more information about ovarian cancer treatment?

Please contact us using the contact form. We will respond as soon as possible.