Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Malaysia

What is Epithelial Ovarian Cancer?

The most prevalent kind of ovarian cancer is epithelial. This cancer starts in the epithelial tissue, a thin membrane covering the outside of the ovary.

Cancer may also develop in the lining of a fallopian tube. It could also begin in the peritoneum, the tissue surrounding your abdominal organs.

Medical professionals classify fallopian tube malignancies and primary peritoneal cancers as epithelial ovarian cancers.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer is essential for increasing survival rates and quality of life. Early detection and intervention, such as surgery and chemotherapy, can dramatically improve treatment outcomes and remission rates.

Cancer is frequently identified in its later stages, when it has spread to other places, making treatment more challenging. Delaying therapy may allow the cancer to develop, potentially leading to problems such as organ damage, intestinal obstruction, and ascites (fluid accumulation).

Early and immediate therapy allows for better disease control, symptom management, and prevention of cancer spread, resulting in a better prognosis.

What are the Common Symptoms of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer?

Epithelial ovarian cancer rarely produces symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms worsen as the condition advances. As it spreads into your peritoneum (the tissue surrounding your abdominal organs), fluid accumulates in your abdomen (ascites).

• Symptoms may include abdominal ache
• Difficulty eating or becoming full quickly
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating
• Pelvic discomfort
• Less common symptoms include urge incontinence and hyperactive bladder
• Vaginal bleeding

Types of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Various types of epithelial ovarian cancer include :

• Serous ovarian cancer
• The most frequent type of ovarian cancer is high-grade serous carcinoma (grades 3 or 4). Its name includes the word "serous" because this type of cancer grows in the serous membrane of the epithelial layer of cells that lines the patient's abdomen and pelvis.
• Low-grade serous carcinoma, the fourth most prevalent type of ovarian cancer, has cancer cells that proliferate at a slower rate than high-grade serous cancer.
• Endometrioid ovarian carcinoma
• This kind of cancer, which accounts for approximately 20% of all epithelial ovarian cancer cases, is frequently identified in earlier stages than serous ovarian carcinoma. It is commonly found in people who have a history of endometriosis.
• Clear-cell carcinoma
• Also known as "clear cell adenocarcinoma," this is a rare kind of epithelial ovarian cancer in which the cells appear clear under a microscope. It is also suspected to be associated with endometriosis.
• Mucinous carcinoma
• One of the most uncommon types of ovarian cancer, this subtype is distinguished by tumors with aberrant mucus-secreting cells. It is the most common subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer found in women under 40.

Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Causes

According to recent research, many ovarian malignancies begin in cells at the end of the fallopian tubes. Then they spread to the ovaries.

Risk Factors

Certain factors may raise your risk of ovarian cancer, including:

• Family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer.
• Inheriting a mutation in the BRCA gene.
• Inheriting a gene associated with family cancer disorders such as Lynch syndrome.
• Hormone treatment for menopausal symptoms.
• Having a baby after age 35, or never experiencing a full-term pregnancy.
• Obesity refers to carrying excess weight.

Complications

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) can lead to several complications, mainly if not diagnosed and treated early. Some of the main complications include:

• Metastasis
• Bowel Obstruction
• Ascites
• Peritonitis
• Recurrent Cancer
• Reduced Fertility
• Anemia
• Lymphedema

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in Malaysia

Protein inhibitors are proving to be a highly effective maintenance treatment for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in Malaysia, particularly in platinum-sensitive relapsed cases. For recurrent EOC, several medications are also used in conjunction with chemotherapy, and clinical trials are being conducted to investigate potential treatments. Furthermore, advancements in diagnostic methods, like cell-free DNA testing, are enhancing early detection and treatment response tracking.

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Prevention Tips

Some epithelial ovarian cancer prevention tips:

• Long-term usage of hormonal birth control may lower the risk.
• Prophylactic Surgery: High-risk individuals should consider having their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.
• Gynaecological checks should be performed regularly to detect problems early on.
• Healthy Diet: Eat a well-balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables.
• Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.
• Avoid long-term hormone replacement therapy after menopause.
• Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity may reduce risk.
• Breastfeeding may help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
• Seek medical advice if you experience persistent symptoms such as bloating or abdominal pain.