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Published on: May 07, 2022
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Ovarian Cancer - Cause Symptoms Diagnosis & Treatment

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. The ovaries are two small, almond-shaped organs located on each side of the uterus. They are responsible for producing the eggs necessary for reproduction and for secreting the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in women and is most often diagnosed in women over the age of 60.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle and nonspecific, making it difficult to diagnose in its early stages. However, there are some common symptoms that may be a sign that something is not right.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. It usually occurs in women over the age of 50, but it can occur in younger women as well. Ovarian cancer is a very serious disease and can be fatal if not detected and treated early. There are many different causes of ovarian cancer, but the exact cause is unknown. Some risk factors include family history, being overweight, smoking, and certain health conditions such as endometriosis.

The most common symptom of ovarian cancer is abdominal pain or discomfort. Other symptoms may include bloating, frequent urination, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and fatigue. It’s estimated that over 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States this year alone. Though it is the fifth leading cause of death among women, it is often referred to as a “silent killer” because its symptoms can be hard to detect.

The ovaries are a pair of small organs located on either side of the uterus. They produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer begins when cells in the ovary start to grow uncontrollably. This can happen for a number of reasons, including genetic mutations or due to changes in hormone levels. Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries. The two main types of ovarian cancer are epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and germ cell ovarian cancer (GOC).EOC is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for about 85 to 90 percent of all cases. GOC is much less common, accounting for only 2 to 5 percent of cases.

The cause of ovarian cancer is not known, but there are some risk factors that may increase a woman’s chance of developing the disease. These include:

• Age: Women over the age of 50 are at increased risk.

• Family history: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister

According to the National Cancer Institute, ovarian cancer is "a malignancy that arises from cells of the ovary." Although it is possible for ovarian cancer to develop in women of any age, the majority of cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 60. There are a number of different types of ovarian cancer, each with its own set of symptoms and prognosis. The most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer, which begins in the cells lining the ovaries. Other less common types include germ cell tumors (which begin in the eggs) and stromal tumors (which begin in the connective tissue).

The ovaries are two small, almond-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus. These organs produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes and are fertilized by sperm in the womb. Ovarian cancer usually begins in the epithelium, which is the thin layer of cells that covers the ovaries. There are several possible causes of ovarian cancer, though the exact cause is unknown. One theory suggests that it may be caused by an imbalance of hormones, while another points to a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or other infections as a possible risk factor.

There are many different possible causes of ovarian cancer. One of the most common is a family history of the disease. Women who have close relatives (such as a mother or sister) who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves. Other possible risk factors include certain inherited genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and BRCA1/2 mutations. Being overweight or obese is also thought to increase the risk, as well as taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause.

The cause of ovarian cancer is not known, but there are several risk factors that may increase a woman's chance of developing the disease. These include:

• A family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer

• A personal history of breast cancer

• Obesity

• Never giving birth

• Taking estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy after menopause

• Use of fertility drugs

The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to identify because they are often nonspecific and mimic other conditions. Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. The ovaries are a pair of small organs located in the woman's pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Ovarian cancer usually starts in the cells lining the ovaries. Ovarian cancer is often called a "silent killer" because symptoms may not appear until the disease is in its advanced stages. When symptoms do occur, they may be nonspecific and can mimic other conditions or diseases, making ovarian cancer difficult to detect early.

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Heart Related Health Issues: Early Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Heart related health issues remain one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. Despite advancements in medical care, many heart conditions are diagnosed late because early symptoms are subtle, misunderstood or ignored. Understanding early warning signs of heart related health issues is crucial, as timely action can prevent life-threatening events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Public health data consistently shows that most cardiovascular events are preceded by warning signals that appear weeks, months or even years earlier. Recognising these signs allows for early intervention and better long-term outcomes.

What Are Heart Related Health Issues?

Heart related health issues include conditions that affect:

the heart muscle
coronary arteries
heart valves
electrical system of the heart

Common conditions include coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias and hypertension-related heart damage.

Why Heart Problems Often Go Unnoticed

Heart disease is often called a “silent killer” because:

symptoms develop gradually
early signs are mild
discomfort is mistaken for fatigue or indigestion
people delay medical evaluation

Unfortunately, waiting for severe pain or emergencies increases risk.

Early Warning Signs of Heart Related Health Issues

Chest Discomfort

Chest pain or discomfort is the most recognised warning sign, but it does not always feel severe.

It may present as:

pressure
tightness
heaviness
burning sensation

Chest discomfort may come and go and worsen with exertion.

Breathlessness

Shortness of breath during routine activities or at rest may indicate:

reduced heart pumping capacity
fluid buildup in lungs

Breathlessness is often an early sign of heart failure or coronary disease.

Unusual Fatigue

Persistent, unexplained fatigue can signal reduced blood supply to the body.

People may notice:

exhaustion after minimal activity
reduced stamina
prolonged recovery after exertion

Fatigue is frequently overlooked as stress or ageing.

Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeat

Feeling the heart race, flutter or skip beats may indicate rhythm disturbances.

Symptoms include:

rapid heartbeat
pounding sensation
irregular pulse

Some arrhythmias increase stroke risk if untreated.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Reduced blood flow to the brain can cause:

dizziness
fainting spells
imbalance

These symptoms may signal heart rhythm or blood pressure issues.

Swelling in Legs or Ankles

Fluid retention in lower limbs suggests:

weakened heart function
poor circulation

Swelling often worsens by evening and improves overnight.

Pain in Other Areas

Heart-related pain may radiate to:

left arm
neck
jaw
back
upper abdomen

This atypical pain is common and frequently misdiagnosed.

Symptoms That Are More Common in Women

Women may experience:

nausea
jaw pain
back pain
extreme fatigue
shortness of breath without chest pain

These non-classic symptoms often delay diagnosis.

Risk Factors for Heart Related Health Issues

Major risk factors include:

high blood pressure
diabetes
high cholesterol
smoking
obesity
sedentary lifestyle
chronic stress
family history

Risk increases when multiple factors coexist.

Why Early Detection Is Critical

Early diagnosis:

prevents heart attacks
reduces heart muscle damage
lowers hospitalisation risk
improves quality of life

Most heart conditions are manageable when detected early.

How Heart Problems Are Diagnosed

Evaluation may involve:

blood pressure measurement
blood tests
electrocardiogram (ECG)
imaging studies
stress testing

Tests are chosen based on symptoms and risk profile.

Treatment and Management

Medical Management

Depending on the condition:

medications
lifestyle changes
monitoring

Early treatment slows disease progression.

Lifestyle Modification

Lifestyle plays a major role in heart health:

balanced diet
regular physical activity
stress management
adequate sleep
smoking cessation

Lifestyle changes significantly reduce risk.

Preventive Measures for Heart Health

regular health checkups
blood pressure and sugar monitoring
cholesterol screening
physical activity
heart-healthy diet

Prevention is the most effective strategy against heart disease.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Seek urgent care if:

chest pain is severe or persistent
breathlessness occurs suddenly
fainting happens
pain radiates to arm or jaw

Prompt action saves lives.

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Warning Signs

Ignoring early symptoms may lead to:

heart attack
stroke
heart failure
permanent heart damage
sudden cardiac events

Delayed care increases mortality risk.

Conclusion

Heart related health issues rarely appear suddenly without warning. The body often sends early signals such as chest discomfort, fatigue, breathlessness and palpitations long before emergencies occur. Recognising these early warning signs and seeking timely medical evaluation can prevent serious complications and save lives. Heart health requires awareness, proactive care and early action—because when it comes to the heart, ignoring symptoms is a risk no one should take.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Cardiovascular Disease Report
World Health Organization (WHO) – Cardiovascular Health Guidelines
National Heart Institute – Early Signs of Heart Disease
Lancet – Global Burden of Cardiovascular Disease Studies
Indian Journal of Cardiology – Heart Disease Detection and Preventio
Statista – Heart Disease Trends and Risk Factors

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