Ovarian Cancer Monitoring
Ovarian cancer, a condition often termed the “silent killer,” affects thousands of women worldwide every year. This article aims to shed light on what it is, how it is monitored, and why early detection is crucial for effective management and treatment.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which are female reproductive glands. The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs as well as estrogen and progesterone hormones. It often remains asymptomatic and undetected until it progresses to an advanced stage, where it spreads beyond the ovaries to the pelvis and abdomen. In these later stages, the cancer is more widespread and entrenched in vital bodily systems, complicating surgical removal and increasing its resistance to chemotherapy. This difficulty in early detection and the aggressive nature of the disease in its later stages contribute to higher mortality rates associated with the disease.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Unfortunately, the early stages of ovarian cancer rarely cause any symptoms. When symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, and abdominal swelling do appear, they often mimic common benign conditions, which can delay diagnosis. Detection at an early stage greatly increases the chances of successful treatment, emphasizing the need for awareness and regular check-ups.
Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer
Testing for presence of ovarian cancer usually involves a physical examination followed by imaging tests – an ultrasound and MRI scans, which can also be accompanied by blood tests such as CA125 and BRCA1/BRCA2 gene testing. Additionally, a biopsy test may be performed, which is when tissue samples from the ovaries are surgically removed and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
CA125 Testing: Monitoring Ovarian Cancer
CA125, a protein found on the surface of many ovarian cancer cells, is released into the bloodstream, making it measurable through blood tests. Serum CA125 concentrations are elevated in about 80% of women with carcinoma of the ovary, 26% of women with benign ovarian tumors and 66% of women with non-neoplastic conditions, but in only 3% of normal healthy women. CA125 should not be used alone to diagnose or screen for cancer, but it is useful for monitoring patients with an established diagnosis of a gynecological malignancy that is associated with elevated CA125 at diagnosis.
Methodology of CA125 Testing
ALLIANCE™ receives a blood sample, which is taken to measure the level of CA125. The test may be repeated at intervals during and after treatment to help assess the patient’s response to therapy and monitor for cancer recurrence.
Conclusion
Ovarian cancer presents a profound challenge in the field of women’s health due to its often silent progression and late detection. Understanding the disease, recognizing its subtle early symptoms, and utilizing diagnostic tools like CA125 testing and BRCA gene screening are pivotal for early intervention. Regular monitoring with CA125 tests, especially within a structured program like ALLIANCE™, helps in assessing treatment efficacy and detecting recurrences early, potentially improving survival rates. It is crucial that awareness about this condition is heightened and that women are encouraged to attend regular medical check-ups. Early detection not only saves lives but also significantly improves the quality of life for those affected by this formidable disease.
