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Description

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women, resulting in approximately 12,000 deaths each year. More women die of ovarian cancer than any other cancer of the reproductive system. Ovarian cancer is virtually asymptomatic during its early stages, so by the time it produces any noticeable symptoms, the cancer is usually well established. On the other hand, when the disease is caught early, the survival rate is good.

The majority of women with ovarian cancer have already gone through menopause. Women with a family history of ovarian, breast, or uterine cancer are at increased risk. Women with late menopause and women who were never pregnant are also at increased risk.

Signs and Symptoms

In its early stages, ovarian cancer rarely produces symptoms. When it reaches later stages, the most common symptoms are:

• Mild pain or swelling in the abdomen or lower back
• Mild indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding from the vagina between periods or after menopause

Conventional Medical Treatment

A pelvic examination can reveal a growth on the ovary. In fact, when ovarian cancer is caught early, it is usually detected during a routine pelvic examination. Additional tests may be required to confirm diagnosis and determine the extent of the cancer. Either a laparoscopy (during which a surgeon makes a small incision in your abdomen. to look directly at the ovaries) or a biopsy (during which a tissue sample is taken from the ovaries) can confirm the presence of cancer. Ultrasonography or a CAT scan of the abdomen, kidneys, and uterus can determine if the cancer has spread to other tissues.

Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on how developed the cancer is, though surgery is always required. If the cancer is detected early, the diseased ovary is typically removed. In more advanced cases, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and nearby lymph glands may be removed. To eliminate any remaining cancer cells after surgery, radiation or chemotherapy is usually prescribed.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicines

Acupuncture More than eight acupoints may be stimulated in the treatment of the abdominal pain and bloating at often accompany ovarian cancer, including the Stomach points on the calf, the Bladder points near the spine, and the Conception Vessel point on the stomach. Additional auricular points may also be targeted during a session, depending upon the individual’s specific symptoms.

Acupressure This modality can be helpful in alleviating the abdominal pain associated with ovarian cancer. The practitioner manipulates points related to Stomach 36 (near the knee), Spleen 6 (near the ankle), and Conception Vessel 6 and 12 (on the torso).

Chinese Herbal Therapy Studies in Japan and China indicate that licorice-long renowned for its immunity-enhancing properties-may also be useful in inhibiting the growth of tumors, as it has been found to stimulate the body’s production of interferon. See also other “Cancer” entries above.

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