What is Cystadenocarcinoma of the Ovary?
Cystadenocarcinoma is a type of malignant tumour that arises from the epithelial cells of the ovaries. This is the most common type of ovarian cancer. It accounts for approximately 50-80% of all malignant epithelial tumours of the ovaries. It mainly develops in females in the 6th-7th decade of their life.What are ovaries?
The ovaries are an important part of the human reproductive system. The ovaries are small glands located on either side of the uterus through a tubular structure called the fallopian tubes. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones in females. These eggs are used for producing offspring.Disease causes
There is no well-known cause; however, certain hereditary and genetic mutations are believed to be responsible for the development of cystadenocarcinoma. Having no children (nulliparity), the onset of the first menstruation at a very young age, late menopause, infertility, and a family history of ovarian cancer are all risk factors that can make a person vulnerable to developing cystadenocarcinoma.Signs and symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are- Pain or discomfort in the right lower part of the abdomen
- Nausea
- Decrease in the appetite
- Irregular menstruations
- Swelling or lump in the abdomen or pelvic region
- Pain, pressure or feeling of fullness in the abdomen(belly)
Diagnosis
Following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make the diagnosis. These are- Complete blood count ( CBC)
- Serum tumour markers
- Imaging techniques like ultrasonography (USG), CT-scan, MRI, and X-Ray to detect the site, size, and extent of the tumour.
- Pelvic examination through per-speculum examination of the vagina, cervix, and ovaries. A speculum is a gynecological instrument used to visualize the vaginal wall, cervix, uterus, and ovaries to detect any abnormality.