This disease progresses insidiously!
Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Dr. Mehmet Dolanbay stated that ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, noting that it usually shows symptoms in the third stage, whereas if caught in the early stage, the patient's life expectancy is quite high.
İHA
Providing important information on the occasion of May 8, World Ovarian Cancer Day, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Dr. Mehmet Dolanbay said that it is possible to detect ovarian cancer in the early stage through examinations and ultrasonography.
''IT CAN BE SEEN AT ANY AGE, BUT...''
Stating that ovarian cancer is among the most common gynecological cancers in women, Dr. Dolanbay said, "It can be seen at any age, but it is most common after menopause. Since there is no screening test for this cancer, we cannot catch it in advance. It is a troublesome type of cancer for patients because they are usually diagnosed in the late stage. It progresses insidiously and usually shows symptoms in the third stage. It is possible to diagnose it in the early stage through examination and ultrasonography. With routine examinations, we can diagnose these cancers in the early period and ensure early treatment."
Emphasizing that there is also misinformation among the public, Dr. Dolanbay touched upon the importance of catching the disease in the early stage. He added that the life expectancy of patients caught in the early stage is quite high, but it can be quite short for patients caught in the advanced stage.
''FOR US TO DIAGNOSE THIS CANCER...''
Pointing out that a subject often misunderstood by the public regarding ovarian cancers is the tumor marker called CA-125, Dr. Dolanbay said, "This tumor marker is not a tumor marker that directly diagnoses ovarian cancer. In fact, it is more of a data point that shows how much we respond to the drugs we apply to the cancer during treatment. Therefore, it should not be used as a screening test. For us to diagnose this cancer, it is essential to perform examinations and ultrasonography and ensure routine check-ups."
Providing information about the treatment process of the disease, Dr. Dolanbay stated that the surgical route is primarily followed in treatment, meaning that a surgery is performed and treatment is planned according to the result and the stage of the disease.
Dolanbay stated that chemotherapy is applied after surgery, adding, "After our patients receive chemotherapy for a certain period, they continue their routine follow-ups and can continue their lives like normal patients."