How does Ovarian Cancer develop?

We don’t yet know exactly what causes most ovarian cancers. We do know some factors that make a woman more likely to develop epithelial ovarian cancer. Much less is known about risk factors for germ cell and stromal tumours of the ovaries.

The most recent and important finding about the cause of ovarian cancer is that it starts in cells at the tail ends of the fallopian tubes and not necessarily in the ovary itself. This new information may open more research studies looking at preventing and screening for this type of cancer.

Ovarian Cancer

There are many theories about the causes of ovarian cancer. Some of them came from looking at the things that change the risk of ovarian cancer. For example, pregnancy and taking birth control pills both lower the risk of ovarian cancer. Since both of these things reduce the number of times the ovary releases an egg (ovulation), some researchers think that there may be some relationship between ovulation and the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Also, we know that tubal ligation and https://oncologistdrseemasingh.com/ovarian-cancer/hysterectomy lower the risk of ovarian cancer. One theory to explain this is that some cancer-causing substances may enter the body through the vagina and pass through the uterus and fallopian tubes to reach the ovaries. This would explain how removing the uterus or blocking the fallopian tubes affects ovarian cancer risk. Another theory is that male hormones (androgens) can cause ovarian cancer.


Gene changes related to ovarian cancer


Researchers have made great progress in understanding how certain mutations (changes) in DNA can cause normal cells to become cancerous. DNA is the chemical that carries the instructions for nearly everything our cells do. We usually look like our parents because they are the source of our DNA. However, DNA affects more than the way we look. Some genes (parts of our DNA) contain instructions for controlling when our cells grow and divide. Mutations in these genes can lead to the development of cancer.


Inherited genetic mutations


A small portion of ovarian cancers occur in women with inherited mutations linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. These include mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as the genes related to other family cancer syndromes linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, such as PTEN (PTEN tumor hamartoma syndrome), STK11 (Peutz-Jeghers syndrome), MUTYH (MUTYH-associated polyposis, and the many genes that can cause hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (MLH1, MLH3, MSH2, MSH6, TGFBR2, PMS1, and PMS2).

Genetic tests can detect mutations associated with these inherited syndromes. If you have a family history of cancers linked to these syndromes, such as breast and ovarian cancers, thyroid and ovarian cancer, and/or colorectal and endometrial (uterine) cancer, you might want to ask your doctor about genetic counselling and testing. 


Acquired genetic changes


Most mutations related to ovarian cancer are not inherited but instead occur during a woman's life and are called acquired mutations. In some cancers, these types of mutations leading to the development of cancer may result from radiation or cancer-causing chemicals, but there is no evidence for this in ovarian cancer. So far, studies haven’t been able to specifically link any single chemical in the environment or in our diets to mutations that cause ovarian cancer. The cause of most acquired mutations remains unknown.

Most ovarian cancers have several acquired mutations. Research has suggested that tests to identify acquired mutations in ovarian cancers, like the TP53 tumour suppressor gene or the HER2 oncogene, can help predict a woman's prognosis. The role of these tests is still not certain, and more research is needed. To cure Ovarian Cancer you could contact an Ovarian Cancer Specialist in Delhi.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

All you need to know about Breast Cancer and its Treatment

Image
  Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast tissue. It is one of the most common types of cancer among women, although men can also develop breast cancer. In this blog, we will discuss the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for breast cancer. Causes of Breast Cancer  Breast cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the breast tissue. The exact cause of breast cancer is not known, but there are several risk factors that increase the chances of developing the disease. Some of these risk factors include: Age - The risk of breast cancer increases as women get older. Genetics - Women with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Hormones - Women who have had prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Lifestyle factors - Certain lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and a lack of physical activity can increase the risk of breast c
Read more

Breast Cancer treatment

Image
  Breast cancer treatment  Breast cancer treatment typically depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the type of breast cancer, the patient's overall health, and their personal preferences. Treatments can be broadly categorized into local and systemic therapies. Local Treatments: Surgery: Surgery is often the first step in treating breast cancer. It involves removing the tumor and sometimes nearby lymph nodes. Types of surgery include lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue) and mastectomy (removal of the whole breast). Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It's often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast or lymph nodes. Systemic Treatments: Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It's often used when cancer has spread beyond the breast or if there's a high risk of recurrence. Hormone Ther
Read more

Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer- Dr. Seema Singh

Image
  What is Ovarian Cancer? Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are the reproductive organs that produce eggs in women. Ovarian cancer can develop in different types of cells within the ovaries and can spread to other parts of the body. Ovarian cancer is often called the "silent killer" because its symptoms can be vague or easily mistaken for other conditions, and it can go undetected until it has progressed to an advanced stage. When ovarian cancer is detected early, it is often treatable, but once it has spread to other parts of the body, it can be difficult to treat. Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer If you are suffering from any of these symptoms then you must consult the Best Ovarian Cancer Treatment Doctor Abdominal bloating or swelling: Ovarian cancer can cause a build up of fluid in the abdomen, which can lead to bloating or swelling. Changes in appetite: Some women with ovarian cancer may experience a loss of appetite or feel full quickly, ev
Read more