Munasarjasyövän

Munasarjasyöpä, known in English as ovarian cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs that produce eggs. It is the eighth most common cancer among women worldwide. While it can occur at any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in women over the age of 50. The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not fully understood, but risk factors include genetics, early menarche, late menopause, and never having been pregnant.

There are several types of ovarian cancer, depending on the type of cell in the ovary where the cancer originates. The most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer, which arises from the cells on the surface of the ovary. Germ cell tumors originate in the egg-producing cells, and stromal tumors develop in the hormone-producing cells. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague and include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and frequent or urgent urination. These symptoms can often be mistaken for other, less serious conditions, which can lead to delayed diagnosis.

Diagnosis typically involves a pelvic exam, imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans, and blood tests, particularly for a marker called CA-125. A definitive diagnosis is usually made through a biopsy, where a sample of suspicious tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. Treatment options depend on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Surgery to remove the affected ovaries and possibly other organs, followed by chemotherapy, is a common treatment approach. Research into earlier detection methods and more effective treatments is ongoing.