Ovarian cancer is a cancer that starts in the ovaries and spreads throughout the body. Two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus, make up the female reproductive system. Each ovary, about the size of an almond, produces eggs (ova) as well as oestrogen and progesterone hormones.
Ovarian cancer is frequently misdiagnosed until it has progressed into the pelvis and abdomen. Ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat at this stage. According to the best cancer doctor in Kolkata, early-stage ovarian cancer (which is limited to the ovary) is more likely to be effectively treated. Ovarian cancer is usually treated with surgery.
What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer in its early stages rarely presents with any symptoms. Advanced-stage ovarian cancer can present with a variety of symptoms that are easily mistaken for more prevalent benign illnesses.
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:
- Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
- Feeling full quickly after eating
- Loss of weight
- Discomfort in the area of the pelvis
- Constipation and other changes in bowel habits
- Urination on a frequent basis
What is Debulking Cytoreductive Surgery
Ovarian cancer is commonly treated with debulking cytoreductive surgery. The goal of debulking is to remove as much malignant tissue as possible from the patient’s abdomen while leaving no tumour nodules larger than one centimetre in diameter behind. This operation is extremely important for individuals whose cancer has spread throughout their abdomen, and it may help them live longer. A gynaecologic surgical oncologist in Kolkata should do this surgery since they are highly educated in providing medical care for gynaecological cancers. Since chemotherapy cannot usually penetrate large, bulky ovarian tumours, debulking cytoreductive surgery is undertaken, says Dr. Suvadip Chakrabarti who is a famous oncologist in Kolkata.
Why is Debulking Cytoreductive Surgery Performed
Depending on the stage and degree of ovarian cancer in a patient, debulking cytoreductive surgery may entail the surgical removal of:
- One affected ovary (called unilateral oophorectomy)
- One affected ovary along with its fallopian tube (called unilateral salpingectomy)
- Both the affected ovaries (or bilateral oophorectomy)
- Both the affected ovaries and their fallopian tubes (called bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy)
- Lymph nodes in the pelvis (called lymphadenectomy)
- The uterus (called hysterectomy)
- The omentum (called omentectomy)
- A part of the diaphragm (the thin muscle that separates the chest and abdomen)
- Affected organs like the intestine, spleen, and/or liver (when the cancer has spread beyond the reproductive system)
The organs and tissues removed during debulking cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer treatment in Kolkata are studied under a microscope to see if any other surgeries or treatments are needed, as well as to learn more about the malignancy (such as the type of cells that make up the tumour).
