Although “ovarian cancer” is not the most common disease among women, it is not a condition to be overlooked. According to the latest WHO statistics, there are as many as 2,689 new ovarian cancer cases in Thailand each year, with a death rate as high as 1,431 per year. This is a significant number. However, there is no need to panic because this disease can still be treated if detected early!
Ovarian cancer… a hidden threat attacking women
Although in the early stages it usually does not show symptoms, it can be detected through check-ups. “Many people find it during their annual health check-up, internal examination, or abdominal ultrasound when abnormalities or ovarian masses are found. This allows for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Treatment at this stage is quite effective. But if you wait for symptoms to appear, the main symptoms include abdominal enlargement, bloating, some feeling fullness in the abdomen, fluid in the abdominal cavity, or palpable masses in the abdomen.” Some women who notice their abdomen getting larger despite trying to lose weight are also showing signs of abnormalities, according to doctors.
Once detected… how to choose the appropriate treatment
The criteria doctors use to decide on treatment mainly depend on two things: 1) assessing the disease itself, its severity, and spread to determine if laparoscopic surgery is possible. “We need to see what will be removed—just the ovaries or the uterus as well. If the uterus is removed, the method of removal must be considered because some women who have never had sexual intercourse may not be able to have the uterus removed vaginally. In cases where the mass is close to the intestines, laparoscopy may carry more risk than open surgery. Also, for patients suspected of cancer, care must be taken to avoid rupturing the tumor inside the abdomen. Another consideration is 2) whether the patient is suitable for prolonged lithotomy position, or if there are contraindications or limitations to insufflating the abdomen with gas or inserting instruments vaginally.”
“Laparoscopic surgery” for treating… ovarian cancer
The standard treatment for this disease requires removal of the entire uterus and both ovaries, pelvic lymph nodes, para-aortic lymph nodes, and omentum. This is a major surgery involving a large midline abdominal incision. After surgery, the patient immediately enters menopause. However, with advances in current treatment technology, laparoscopic surgery can now be used for ovarian cancer treatment. “Especially for some younger patients with ovarian cancer who wish to have children in the future and want to preserve the uterus and healthy ovaries, doctors will evaluate each case individually. For early-stage cases, especially those without spread or suspected non-epithelial ovarian cancer, conservative surgery is performed to preserve the uterus and healthy ovaries. Laparoscopic surgery plays a significant role because of smaller incisions, faster recovery, and less postoperative pain.”
When there is a better option… worries disappear
Gynecologic laparoscopic surgery is used to diagnose and treat many gynecologic diseases and abnormalities. The advantages of laparoscopic surgery include very small incisions, less postoperative pain, shorter recovery time, faster return to daily activities, less blood loss, and a very low risk of surgical site infection.
No matter how advanced treatment technology becomes, it is always better not to have the disease or to detect it early for prompt treatment. The best prevention is regular annual health check-ups and internal examinations. For those who suspect they may be at risk of cancer, there is now technology in Thailand that can test blood for gene mutations associated with cancer risk. This allows individuals to understand their risk, take care of themselves, and receive timely treatment.
