The misdiagnosis of ovarian cancer has become a common problem among women in California. For decades, the medical community called ovarian cancer a silent killer. 70 percent of ovarian cancer patients are not diagnosed until in the later stages. Misdiagnosis might lead to the spread of ovarian cancer which could result in severe health consequences, including death.
Diagnosis problems
Screening for ovarian cancer is not accurate enough to be effective. Ovarian cancer misdiagnosis takes place for several reasons. The symptoms of ovarian cancer mimic other conditions. This makes diagnosis difficult to achieve. The symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, stomach/pelvis pain, feeling full when eating, and frequent urination.
A silent killer
Ovarian cancer is known as a silent killer for more than a quarter-century. The late diagnosis of ovarian cancer and the lack of an effective screening process help limit the effectiveness of early diagnosis. A survival rate of between 60 and 90 percent is possible with early diagnosis. Removing cancerous tumors from the ovaries and pelvis increases survival chances. If cancerous cells can be removed when limited to the pelvis and ovaries the chance of survival is higher.
High risk groups
Genetic testing is one of the ways physicians recommend testing for ovarian cancer. The use of genetic testing helps to identify the markers in the genes of women at a high risk of cancer. Inherited mutations in the genes BRAC1 and BRAC2 put women at a greater risk of developing this form of cancer. Identifying those at high risk of ovarian cancer increases early cancer diagnosis.
An ovarian cancer diagnosis is difficult to get until cancer reaches its later stages. An early diagnosis is vital to improving the chances of survival for all patients.
