How do women identify ovarian tumors

The main function of the ovaries is to maintain the level of female estrogen. In addition to completing childbearing, the ovaries also have an endocrine function. For a normal woman, even in menopause, the ovaries still play a very important role in the ten years after menopause. During this period, although the estrogen level is lower than before menopause, a certain amount of estrogen can still be secreted to protect women's cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. At the same time, it can also slow down bone loss and delay the occurrence of osteoporosis, which to a certain extent guarantees women's "sexual happiness" and avoids the sudden aggravation of various menopausal symptoms.

It seems "incompatible" with the big function of the ovary. Its size is very small, about 4×3×1 cm for an adult ovary, and it gradually shrinks after menopause. However, it is the organ most prone to tumors, which can occur at any age.

Beware of early symptoms of ovarian cancer

The ovaries are located deep in the pelvic cavity, on both sides of the uterus, and are generally not easy to be found. By the time obvious symptoms appear, the cancer has already metastasized and spread, and the 5-year survival rate is only 30-40%. The "ovarian cancer triad" is an early symptom that is easily overlooked:

Age: Ovarian epithelial cancer often occurs in people over 40 years old, so you should be extra vigilant if you feel any discomfort at this time.

Abdominal discomfort: including indigestion, abdominal distension, tight waistband, especially flatulence after eating. About 2/3 of ovarian cancer patients have ascites, and obese women are more likely to be mistaken for increased fat and ignore cancer symptoms.

Ovarian dysfunction: increased or irregular menstruation.

Once an ovarian malignancy is suspected, the first principle of treatment is a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Chemical drugs are the main adjuvant therapy. Ovarian malignancies are sensitive to chemotherapy and can achieve certain therapeutic effects even if they have been widely metastasized. Radiotherapy is an adjuvant therapy for surgery and chemotherapy. With the in-depth understanding of the molecular biological characteristics of ovarian tumors and the continuous improvement of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the survival rate of patients with early ovarian malignancies has gradually increased, and the 5-year survival rate of early cases can reach more than 90%.

Women over 30 should have gynecological examinations every year

Ovarian cancer usually has no obvious early signs and can only be detected through examination. At present, it is difficult to prevent ovarian cancer, but if you can actively take the following measures, it will be beneficial.

Prevention of high-risk factors: vigorously carry out education, increase high-protein, vitamin A-rich diet, and avoid high-cholesterol foods.

Carry out universal screening and treatment: Women over 30 years old should undergo gynecological examination every year, and high-risk groups should be examined every six months to rule out ovarian tumors.

Early detection and early treatment: solid ovarian tumors or cysts with a diameter greater than 5 cm should be surgically removed promptly. Women before puberty, postmenopause, or women of childbearing age who take oral contraceptives should consider ovarian tumors if they find ovarian enlargement. Patients with unclear diagnosis of pelvic masses or ineffective treatment should undergo laparoscopy or laparotomy as soon as possible. Patients with breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, etc. should be closely followed up after treatment and undergo regular gynecological examinations.