Why is ovarian cancer rarely detected early?

According to the Central Cancer Hospital, ovarian cancer is one of the most common reproductive cancers in women, after cervical cancer.

Ovarian cancer is a condition in which malignant tumors form in one or both ovaries due to abnormal cell growth. If not treated promptly, cancer cells will invade surrounding tissues and organs, causing loss of the ovary's ability to produce hormones, produce eggs, and become pregnant.

In advanced stages, cancer cells metastasize through the blood or lymph to other organs of the body and form new tumors. Most cases of ovarian cancer occur after menopause, but the disease can also occur at a younger age.

Ovarian cancer illustration

In fact, because women often ignore or mistake the signs of ovarian cancer as symptoms of other mild diseases, many cases are detected at a late stage.

Therefore, you should be alert when noticing signs that may be early symptoms of ovarian cancer such as: feeling uncomfortable, pain in the lower abdomen; digestive disorders (nausea, diarrhea or constipation); frequent urination due to increased pressure on the bladder; poor appetite, feeling full, even after a light meal; unexplained weight gain or loss.

In addition, abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause, unusual changes in menstrual cycles, and pain during sex are also signs that need to be noted for early examination.

There are 4 stages of ovarian cancer development. In stage 1, the tumor is still inside the ovary or fallopian tube and has not spread to other organs.

Stage 2, the tumor is still in the ovaries and fallopian tubes but has begun to spread to nearby organs in the pelvis.

Stage 3, the tumor spreads further, larger than 2 cm, and may have even metastasized to more distant organs such as the liver and spleen.

Stage 4 is the final stage, the cancer has spread to many other organs such as the spleen, liver, lungs, brain… as well as the lymph nodes in the groin. Treatment at this stage is very difficult and complicated.

Ovarian cancer is a dangerous disease, if not detected and treated promptly, it can lead to death for the patient. Therefore, women should pay attention to their health and have regular health check-ups every 6 months to detect abnormalities early.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/vi-sao-ung-thu-buong-trung-it-duoc-phat-hien-som-185230506172235706.htm