Fallopian Tubes Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Fallopian tubes are structures that connect the ovaries (ovaries) to the uterus. In ovarian cancer, cells in these structures grow out of control, become redundant, and invade surrounding tissue. As a result of the emphasis on the surrounding tissue, patients who come with ovarian cancer often feel pain in the abdominal cavity and around the waist.
This type of cancer is quite rare. When cancer cells are found in the fallopian tubes, these cells are mostly the spread of cancer in other areas of the body such as the breast, ovary or uterus.
Some women have a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer than other women. Risk factors that make this possible include:
- Age over 50 years
- Have a history of cancer in the family
- History of use of hormonal drugs
Symptoms
Early in the disease, ovarian cancer may not show any symptoms. Generally, the initial symptoms only occur after the cancer has grown more widely and invaded the surrounding tissue.
Early signs that sufferers generally complain of include:
- Spotting and bleeding from the vagina
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvic cavity
- Continuous vaginal discharge
- Palpable lump in the lower abdomen
Reason
Until now, not much is known about the exact cause of ovarian cancer. Cancer itself occurs due to genetic mutations in the DNA or cell nucleus.
These mutations cause the cells to become abnormal, grow excessively and invade the surrounding tissue. When healthy cells die and then grow new cells, cancer cells survive and grow aggressively.
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, a series of physical and supporting examinations are needed, such as:
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Pelvic examination
The doctor will examine the external condition of the genital organs by looking directly at them and evaluating the inside. An examination is carried out using a finger inserted through the vagina. In this examination, it is determined whether there is a palpable lump, an estimate of the size and density of the existing lump.
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Imaging examination
Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan to see directly the structure of the fallopian tubes.
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Blood test
Blood tests are performed to assess a person’s general health and check for specific markers of reproductive tract cancer. The specific cancer marker in question is CA 125. In patients with ovarian cancer, CA 125 examination will show high results.
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Operation
Surgery is not only performed as a treatment step but also in determining the diagnosis of cancer. The tissue taken from the oviduct is then examined under a microscope to determine the origin of the cancer cells and their malignancy.
After the diagnosis is established, the doctor will determine the stage of the cancer by estimating the size of the affected area and the spread of the cancer cells themselves. Determining this stage is an important step to determine the therapy to be taken and estimate the success rate of treatment.
Treatment
Treatment steps are determined by looking at the stage of the cancer. Treatment options that can be an option are:
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Operation
The extent of the operated area is highly dependent on the size of the mass and the area invaded. If cancer cells are found to the end of the fallopian tubes, the doctor may perform surgery to remove all reproductive organs, including the uterus and ovaries. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, these nodes must also be removed.
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy agents given to treat ovarian cancer are the same as those used for ovarian cancer.
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Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is used to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent their expansion.
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Palliative therapy
This therapy is carried out in patients with advanced stages by giving drugs that help improve their quality of life, but not to treat them.
Periodically, the doctor will check the patient’s C125 level to evaluate the success of the therapy being carried out.
Complications
The most common complication of ovarian cancer is spread or metastasis. These metastases can occur in surrounding tissues or organs that are quite far from the oviduct. If not handled properly, ovarian cancer can lead to the death of the sufferer.
Prevention
There are no specific preventive measures for ovarian cancer because the exact cause is not yet known. One of the steps that can help minimize the potential for cancer is to avoid the risk factors. Some efforts that can be done are:
- Consult a doctor or midwife before using hormonal drugs
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Conduct consultations regarding risks if there is a history of cancer in the family