According to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, early detection of ovarian cancer dramatically increases your chances of survival. If you have unexplained pelvic or abdominal pain, have it evaluated as soon as possible at the all-female Trinity Women’s Health OB/GYN center in Murrieta, California. OB/GYN experts Dr. Joan Hazel Calinisan, Dr. Frances S. Kim, and Dr. Nerissa C. Safie help you get the information you need to stay healthy. If you live in Loma Linda, Murrieta, Rancho Springs, or the Inland Valley area, call the Trinity team or use the online form to set up an ovarian cancer evaluation today.
Ovarian cancer is cancer that occurs in one or both of your ovaries. Cancerous cells are abnormal cells that refuse to die after they’ve become old or damaged.
Instead, they divide out of control, causing malignant tumors. Malignant tumors can send cancerous cells to other parts of your body, too, via a process called metastasis.
You should contact your Trinity OB/GYN specialist if you have any of the following symptoms for more than 12 days:
If you’ve already gone through menopause and notice vaginal bleeding or spotting, you should contact Dr. Calinisan, Dr. Kim, or Dr. Safie right away. Changes in your bowel movements could also be a sign that you have ovarian cancer and should be evaluated as soon as possible.
You’re more likely to get ovarian cancer if you’re more than 55 years old. Other risk factors include:
Dr. Calinisan, Dr. Kim, or Dr. Safie conducts a pelvic examination and may order an ultrasound study if they suspect you have ovarian cysts or cancer. If the ultrasound reveals a growth, they may order a blood test to measure your levels of CA 125. High levels could indicate cancer.
If your OB/GYN expert diagnoses ovarian cancer, she refers you to a trusted oncologist who specializes in reproductive system cancers. Treatments could include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
If you have a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast, ovarian, colon, or endometrial cancers, the Trinity OB/GYN team recommend BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene testing.
These tests determine if you’re at increased risk for ovarian cancer by identifying mutations that prevent your genes from suppressing cancer cells.
When you’re at high risk for ovarian cancer and have finished your family, you can choose prophylactic surgical removal of your ovaries and fallopian tubes. Your OB/GYN specialist may also recommend hormonal therapies.
To find out more about BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene testing or to be evaluated for ovarian cancer, contact the gentle, supportive team at Trinity Women’s Health by phone or online form.
