Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries. There are two ovaries in the reproductive system of women, with one ovary located on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are of the size of an almond. They generate ova (eggs), along with the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This type of cancer is often undetected until it has reached inside the abdomen and pelvis. This article explains the symptoms, causes, and chemotherapy-related treatments for ovarian cancer.

1. Symptoms of ovarian cancer
The most common signs of ovarian cancer are as follows:

• Frequent urination
• Changes related to bowel habits; for instance, constipation
• Feeling full quickly while eating
• Irritation in the pelvis region
• Weight loss
• Abnormal swelling or bloating

2. Causes of ovarian cancer
Generally, ovarian cancer starts when the cell develops mutations (errors) in its DNA. The mutations instruct the cell to multiply and grow rapidly, thereby developing a tumor (mass) of abnormal cells. These cells continue existing while the cells that are healthy die. The abnormal cells can attack adjacent tissue and metastasize, which means breaking off from an earlier tumor to reach other body areas.

3. Chemotherapy-related treatments for ovarian cancer
Chemotherapy-related treatments for ovarian cancer involve the usage of drugs to cure cancer. Usually, in chemotherapy, the drugs penetrate the bloodstream and spread across all body parts. Chemotherapy can be helpful to kill minuscule cancer cells that may still be present after surgery. It can also help to kill cancers that have spread or to reduce tumors that are very big to make the surgery simpler. In most instances, chemotherapy involves the use of infected drugs into a vein. These drugs can also be given by mouth. In some instances, chemotherapy can be injected via a thin tube known as “catheter” in the abdominal cavity directly. This process is known as intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

4. Chemotherapy to treat epithelial ovarian cancer
Usually, chemotherapy to treat ovarian cancer involves getting two kinds of different drugs together. Instead of getting only one drug, getting a combination proves more effective as a first treatment to fight ovarian cancer. Generally, the combination involves two kinds of chemotherapy drugs. These drugs are known as taxane and platinum compound. Normally, these drugs are considered after every three to four weeks. The typical course, when it comes to chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer involves three to six cycles of treatment, depending on the type and stage of the disease. One cycle involves a schedule of drug doses that need to be consumed regularly, followed by a period of rest. Different drugs involve varying cycles, and the doctor notifies the patient about the schedule that is planned for chemotherapy.

Listed below are some chemotherapy drugs that help treat ovarian cancer. These include:

• Vinorelbine
• Topotecan
• Pemetrexed
• Melphalan
• Liposomal doxorubicin
• Irinotecan
• Ifosfamide
• Gemcitabine
• Etoposide
• Cyclophosphamide
• Capecitabine
• Altretamine
• Albumin-bound paclitaxel

5. Side effects related to chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may produce the following side-effects:

• Mouth sores
• Foot and hand rashes
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and nausea

These side-effects usually go away when the treatment cycles are complete.