Ovarian Cancer in Turkey

Ovarian Cancer in Turkey

Ovarian Cancer in Turkey is an article that aims to give you all the information you do not know about ovarian cancer in Turkey and more. We kindly shared the main headings with you;

What is ovarian cancer?

One kind of cancer that starts in the female reproductive organs known as the ovaries—which are used to produce eggs—is called ovarian cancer. Being one of the most common and potentially fatal gynecological malignancies, it is frequently discovered at a later stage since there are rarely any obvious early symptoms. Early detection and successful management of ovarian cancer depend on an awareness of the symptoms, treatment choices, and related risks.

How ovarian cancer forms?

Tumors are created when aberrant cells in the ovaries expand out of control, leading to ovarian cancer. It can take many different forms, such as stromal tumors (originating from the cells that create hormones), germ cell tumors, and epithelial tumors (originating from the cells covering the ovary). Some symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic pain, changes in bowel or bladder habits, exhaustion, and unexplained weight loss, may be general and nonspecific.

Although several factors can raise the risk of the disease, the exact cause of ovarian cancer remains unknown. The earliest known cause of ovarian cancer, according to medical professionals, is a genetic alteration that occurs in or near ovaries. The instructions a cell needs to function are encoded in its DNA. A tumor, or mass of cancer cells, is created when the cells are instructed to grow and replicate quickly. When healthy cells would normally get destroyed, malignant cells survive. 

What are the risk factors of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer develops as a result of multiple factors,

  • Age: The majority of ovarian cancer cases occur in women over 50, and the risk increases with age.
  • Being overweight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of having ovarian cancer.
  • Genetics: The risk of ovarian cancer is greatly increased by inherited gene mutations, such as those in BRCA1 and BRCA2. It is also known that several additional gene alterations, such as those linked to Lynch syndrome and the genes BRIP1, RAD51C, and RAD51D, raise the risk of ovarian cancer.
  • Family History: A history of colorectal, breast, or ovarian cancer in one’s family may increase one’s risk.
  • Reproductive History: There may be a small increase in risk if a person has never been pregnant, started menstruation early, or reached menopause later in life.
  • Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue resembling the lining of your uterus grows outside of it. It is frequently painful.
  • Hormonal Factors: The risk may be raised by specific hormone replacement medicines and fertility procedures. Ovarian cancer risk may rise if hormone replacement treatment is used to manage menopause symptoms and signs.

To learn more about ovarian cancer in Turkey continue reading.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

  • Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
  • Abdominal bloating or swelling
  • Quickly feeling full when eating
  • Loss of weight
  • Discomfort in the lower abdomen
  • Fatigue
  • Back discomfort
  • Alterations in digestive patterns, such as constipation
  • A constant urge to urinate

What are the types of ovarian cancer?

There are several forms of ovarian cancer, and they all start in different cells in or around the ovaries. Among the most common forms of ovarian cancer are,

  • Epithelial ovarian cancer: Roughly 90% of ovarian cancer cases are of the most prevalent kind, epithelial ovarian cancer. It starts in the cells that envelop the outer surface of the ovary. There are various subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer, including mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell, serous, and undifferentiated carcinomas.
  • Germ Cell Tumors: These tumors develop in the ovary’s egg-producing cells. They usually affect younger women and are less common. Teratomas, dysgerminomas, and yolk sac tumors are a few types of germ-cell cancers.
  • Stromal Tumors: These tumors develop in the ovarian cells that produce hormones. They are less common than epithelial tumors but can still occur. Stromal tumors are often hormone-secreting and include granulosa cell tumors and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors.

Every kind of ovarian cancer is unique in terms of traits, behaviors, and therapies. Treatment plans are usually customized according to the particular cancer subtype, stage, and unique patient characteristics. Determining the best course of treatment and enhancing prognoses for ovarian cancer patients require early identification and precise diagnosis.

What is the diagnosis of ovarian cancer?

The following tests and methods are used to diagnose ovarian cancer in Turkey:

  • Pelvic exam. To feel (palpate) your pelvic organs, your doctor will enter his fingers into your vagina while simultaneously pressing a hand against your abdomen. Your cervix, vagina, and external genitalia are all visibly inspected by the doctor.
  • Imaging tests. The size, shape, and structure of your ovaries may be ascertained with the use of tests like CT or ultrasound scans of your pelvis and abdomen.
  • Blood tests. Tests for organ function may be included in blood tests, which can assist in assessing your general health. Additionally, your blood may be tested by your doctor for tumor markers linked to ovarian cancer. One test that can identify a protein that is frequently present on the surface of ovarian cancer cells is the cancer antigen (CA) 125 test. These tests may offer hints about your diagnosis and prognosis, but they cannot tell your doctor if you have cancer.
  • Genetic testing. To search for gene alterations that raise the risk of ovarian cancer, your doctor could advise analyzing a sample of your blood. Your doctor can make better decisions about your course of therapy if they are aware that you have an inherited alteration in your DNA. Since your siblings and kids may also be in danger of having similar gene changes, you might want to let them know about the information.

What is the staging of ovarian cancer?

The staging of ovarian cancer in Turkey is done as follows,

Your doctor will use data from your tests and treatments to determine the stage of your ovarian cancer once it has been confirmed. Roman numerals I through IV are frequently used to denote the stages of ovarian cancer, which vary from 1 to 4. The lowest stage suggests that the ovaries are the only organ affected by the malignancy. By stage 4, the cancer has progressed to distant bodily parts.

What are the treatment types for ovarian cancer in Turkey?

What are the ovarian cancer treatment types in Turkey? The type of cells involved, the patient’s general health, and the stage of the cancer all influence the treatment plan for ovarian cancer. The oncologist selects the course of treatment and its combination based on the specific needs of each patient.

Typical forms of ovarian cancer in Turkey treatments consist of:

 

Surgery

Surgery is the method used by surgeons to remove the malignant tissue, which frequently involves the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding lymph nodes.

There are several surgery options:

  • Removal of one ovary. Removing the afflicted ovary and its fallopian tube during surgery may be necessary for early-stage cancer that hasn’t progressed to more than one ovary. You may still be able to give birth after this surgery.
  • Removal of both ovaries. Your surgeon may remove both of your fallopian tubes and ovaries if you have cancer in both of them and there are no indications of more malignancy. Because your uterus is left intact after this treatment, you could still be able to conceive using donor eggs or your frozen embryos.
  • Removal of the uterus and both ovaries. In case the cancer is more widespread or you don’t want to keep your reproductive system intact, the surgeon will remove the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, surrounding lymph nodes, and the omentum, which is a fold of fatty abdominal tissue.
  • Surgery for advanced cancer. Your doctor might advise surgery to remove as much of your advanced cancer as possible. In this case, chemotherapy may be administered either before or following surgery.

Ovarian Cancer in Turkey

 

Chemotherapy

Drugs are used in this treatment to eradicate cancer cells. It can be utilized in situations where surgery is not an option, as well as before or after surgery. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a procedure in which chemotherapy medications are heated and administered into the abdomen during surgery. Before they are emptied, the medications are left in situ for a predetermined period. After that, the procedure is over. Chemotherapy medications can be given through veins or taken by mouth. 

 

Targeted therapy

These drugs block the growth and metastasis of cancer cells by focusing on particular defects within the cells. Your doctor may test your cancer cells if you’re thinking about targeted therapy for ovarian cancer to identify which targeted therapy has the best chance of impacting your cancer.

 

Hormone therapy

Drugs are used in hormone therapy to prevent the effects of estrogen on ovarian cancer cells. Because some ovarian cancer cells utilize estrogen to fuel their growth, estrogen blocking may aid in cancer management. Treatment options for certain types of slow-growing ovarian cancers may include hormone therapy. It can also be a possibility if the cancer returns following first-line therapy.

 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy fights cancer by stimulating the immune system. Cancer cells create proteins that assist them to hide from immune system cells, which may prevent the body’s disease-fighting immune system from attacking them. Immunotherapy functions by obstructing that procedure. In some cases, immunotherapy may be a viable treatment option for ovarian cancer.

 

Palliative care

Palliative care refers to a specialty of medicine that aims to relieve pain and other signs and symptoms associated with a terminal illness. In addition to your continuing care, palliative care specialists collaborate with you, your family, and your other medical professionals to offer an additional level of support. Palliative care can be utilized in conjunction with more intensive medical interventions, such as chemotherapy and surgery.

Palliative care can help cancer patients feel better and survive longer when used in conjunction with all other approved treatments. A group of medical specialists, nurses, and other professionals with specialized training offer palliative care. The goal of palliative care teams is to enhance the lives of cancer patients. This type of therapy is provided in addition to any other curative treatments you might be getting.

 

To create your package and calculate the cost of your treatment within a few minutes use the cost calculator below. 

Treatment Cost Calculator

 

How to prevent ovarian cancer?

  • Take birth control tablets. Consult your doctor if oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, are a good option for you. Utilizing birth control pills lowers the chance of developing ovarian cancer. However, these drugs do include some hazards; depending on your circumstances, talk about whether the advantages outweigh the risks.
  • Talk to your doctor about your risk factors. Talk to your doctor if there is a family history of ovarian and breast cancer. What this could signify for your cancer risk can be ascertained by your doctor. A genetic counselor who can advise you on whether genetic testing is appropriate for you might be referred to you. You might think about having your ovaries surgically removed if it is discovered that you have a gene mutation that raises your chance of developing ovarian cancer.
  • Regular check-ups and screenings. While there is no standard screening test for ovarian cancer for the general population, regular gynecologic check-ups may help in detecting any abnormalities or symptoms early. Discuss with your healthcare provider about appropriate screenings based on your risk factors and medical history.

Why choose ovarian cancer treatment in Turkey?

People may decide to receive treatment for ovarian cancer in Turkey for several reasons, including,

  • High-quality Medical Facilities: Turkey is renowned for having hospitals and other medical facilities that meet international standards, as well as for being contemporary and well-equipped. Modern equipment and cutting-edge technologies are available in many Turkish hospitals to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses, including ovarian cancer.
  • Experienced Healthcare Professionals: Ovarian cancer therapy is a specialty of Turkey’s highly skilled and experienced medical experts, who include surgeons, radiologists, endocrinologists, oncologists, and radiologists. Numerous medical professionals in Turkey have studied and trained in esteemed universities across the globe.
  • Cost-effective Healthcare: Compared to many Western nations, Turkey is renowned for offering top-notch medical care at comparatively reduced expenses. Patients seeking reasonably priced, high-quality healthcare options—including therapy for ovarian cancer—are drawn to this cost-effectiveness.

If you have concerns about having ovarian cancer contact us immediately. Early diagnosis saves lives. Medical Center Turkey will be happy to help you with the free consultation service that our team provides. Click below. 

Request a FREE Consultation