Bloating in the lower abdomen... It could be ovarian cancer, not indigestion

 

 

Ovarian cancer refers to various types of cancers that originate in the ovaries. Ovarian cancer is divided into approximately 90% epithelial ovarian cancer and about 10% non-epithelial ovarian cancer.

 

Initially, there are no obvious symptoms, but as it progresses, abdominal distension due to ascites may be felt. If it spreads to other organs or the lungs, respiratory difficulty may occur due to pleural effusion.

 

According to the '2021 Cancer Registration Statistics' released by the National Cancer Center, there were approximately 2,816 ovarian cancer patients in Korea, accounting for only 2.4% of all cancer patients. Ovarian cancer is among the gynecological cancers with a relatively low incidence rate. However, it is the most deadly cancer with the highest mortality rate, and its incidence rate is also continuously increasing.

 

Professor Kim Jung-chul of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital stated, "The 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer from 2017 to 2021 is 65.7%, which is lower than the average 5-year survival rate of 72.1% for cancer patients during the same period." He added, "In particular, advanced ovarian cancer has a recent 5-year survival rate of only 45.6%, making it a difficult-to-treat cancer."

 

Ovarian cancer occurs in all age groups. It has no early symptoms, and once it develops, the disease progresses very rapidly, making early diagnosis difficult. Professor Yongbeom Kim of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital emphasizes, "Ovarian cancer is a non-specific cancer with no warning signs or early symptoms," and stresses, "While early detection is difficult, we should not neglect health screenings."

 

Therefore, if you feel a hard lump in the abdomen, experience abdominal swelling due to ascites, have indigestion or bloating, lack of appetite, or frequently or urgently need to urinate, ovarian cancer should be suspected.

 

Ovarian cancer treatment involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. When the disease is very advanced, preoperative chemotherapy is administered after surgery to confirm ovarian cancer, reducing the size of the lesions before proceeding with surgery or chemotherapy.

 

There are no clear established methods for preventing ovarian cancer yet. However, for the high-risk genetic group, which accounts for 10% of all patients, close monitoring and risk-reducing surgery such as bilateral oophorectomy and salpingectomy can be considered.

 

Professor Kim Jung-chul said, "Although a perfect treatment for ovarian cancer has not yet been developed, personalized treatment for patients is being achieved through various studies," and emphasized, "It is important to determine the best treatment plan through consultation with medical staff and a strong will to overcome the disease."