Ovarian versus Cervical Cancer - An Overview

Introduction:

Ovarian and cervical cancer are two types of cancer that can develop in females and affect the reproductive system, but they originate in different organs. Ovarian and cervical cancers can cause the same symptoms. However, ovarian cancer has certain additional symptoms that are not present in cervical cancer. These conditions also have associated with different causes and risk factors. The outlook of cervical cancer is generally more favorable than ovarian cancer since it is often detected before spreading. Let us understand a little about cervical and ovarian cancers.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovarian cells. The ovaries are located in the lower part of the abdomen, underneath the naval. They are a set of two almond-shaped structures present during the childbearing years and get smaller after menopause. The ovaries produce eggs or ova as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Both of them are attached to the womb with the help of fallopian tubes.

The cancerous ovarian cells multiply quickly, thus invading and destroying healthy tissues. Most ovarian cancer begins in the fallopian tubes. However, cancer may also begin in the peritoneum, a thin tissue lining the internal organs and abdominal wall.

What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

In the beginning, ovarian cancer is usually asymptomatic. When ovarian cancer symptoms occur, they are usually thought to be related to other common conditions.

The followings are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:

• Abdominal swelling or bloating.

• Uneasiness in the pelvic area.

• A feeling of fullness quickly.

• Weight loss.

• Exhaustion.

• Back pain

• Changes in bowel habits, like constipation.

• Frequent urination.

What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Ovarian Cancer?

What causes ovarian cancer remains unknown. However, there are certain risk factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer. These include the following:

• Old age.

• Breast cancer history.

• A positive family history of breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancer.

• Certain inherited genetic changes in certain genes increase the risk of cancer.

• Endometriosis.

• Obesity.

• No kids or kids at a late age.

• Hormone replacement therapy post-menopause.

• Smoking.

• Absence of breastfeeding.

How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

• Pelvic Examination - The doctor examines the pelvis by palpating (feeling) the pelvic organs. The doctor visually examines the external genitalia, vagina, and cervix.

• Imaging Tests - Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT (computed tomography) scans of the pelvis and abdomen, can evaluate the anatomy, and structure of the ovaries.

• Blood Tests - Blood tests include certain organ function tests that can help determine overall health.

• Genetic Testing - A blood test can be done to look for certain genetic changes that increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cervical cells. The lowest part of the womb is the cervix and is located at the bottom of the abdomen, next to the bladder.

What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is usually asymptomatic at the beginning just like ovarian cancer. However, as cancer grows and spreads, it can lead to symptoms such as:

• Heavy bleeding during the periods.

• Bleeding in between the periods.

• Bleeding after sex.

• Bleeding after menopause.

• Pelvic pain.

• Pain during sex.

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

• Fatigue.

• Difficult urination.

• Blood in the urine.

• Constipation.

• Unexpected weight loss.

• Swelling in the legs.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is mostly a result of genetic mutations leading to uncontrolled growth and the replication of cells in the body. The primary cause of cervical cancer is a long-standing human papillomavirus infection that has been transmitted sexually.

How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?

Cervical cancer is usually screened via a Pap or HPV test. The Pap test identifies cancerous cells and the HPV (human papillomavirus) test checks for HPV. The diagnosis involves the following:

• A thorough medical history.

• Physical examination of the pelvis.

• Colonoscopy.

• Biopsy.

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans.

In What Ways Are Ovarian and Cervical Cancers Similar?

Cervical and ovarian cancers have a lot of similarities and a fair share of differences. Cervical and ovarian cancers affect two different organs of the female reproductive system. Ovarian cancer originates in the ovaries or the fallopian tubes that are present on either side of the uterus. The ovaries have two functions; to produce reproductive hormones and the eggs used for reproduction. In contrast, cervical cancer originates in the cervix, the passage between the uterus and the vagina. The ovaries and cervix are connected in several ways, but the causes and symptoms of each type of cancer can vary. Ovarian and cervical cancers are usually asymptomatic until they spread into the nearby tissues. Individuals do not notice any symptoms in the early stages at all. However, ovarian and cervical cancers have the following common symptoms:

• Bleeding in between periods.

• Longer and heavier than usual periods.

• Bleeding after one reaches menopause.

• Unusual discharge from the vagina.

• Pain or pressure in the pelvic area.

• Painful sex.

The cause of ovarian cancer is unspecified, although certain factors can increase the risk. On the other hand, cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus. Screening tests are not available for ovarian cancer. Cervical cancer can be easily screened. Pap (Papanicolaou test) and HPV tests are used to screen for cervical cancer. Biopsies are used as a diagnostic method in both cancers. A biopsy is a procedure in which a doctor takes a small sample of diseased tissue that can be examined under a microscope. Additionally, similar diagnostic procedures can be used in diagnosing both cancers, such as:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

• Positron emission tomography (PET).

• Ultrasound.

• X-ray.

Conclusion:

Both ovarian and cervical cancers begin in the female reproductive systems and have certain similarities. However, ovarian cancer causes some distinctive symptoms, such as bloating and feeling full too quickly. The causative factor of ovarian cancer is not known, but most cervical cancers are due to long-standing HPV infections. HPV or Pap tests are good diagnostic methods for detecting cervical cancer, but there are no genuine methods to test for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic people. When localised both cancers have a positive outlook and people with cervical cancer have a good survival as compared to ovarian cancer after it has spread to other body parts. In a nutshell, getting regularly screened may avoid the development of such cancers.