Pregnancy is an exciting time for most women. While you look forward to a healthy pregnancy, there are many factors that can affect your health. For example, if you’re at a higher risk for ovarian cancer, you might have concerns during your pregnancy. Pregnancy and ovarian cancer can coexist, even though it is uncommon.
Ovarian cancer during pregnancy is a health condition that can be difficult to manage for both the mother and the doctor. The symptoms that pregnant women with ovarian cancer experience align closely with those found in non-pregnant women with ovarian cancer. These include bloating, pelvic discomfort, and changes in appetite. However, they can also be easily confused with normal pregnancy symptoms. This is why it is important to know the difference.
Let’s find out how to detect ovarian cancer during pregnancy, the problems associated with it, and how to distinguish between the two.
How Common Is Ovarian Cancer During Pregnancy?
Ovarian cancer happening during pregnancy is rare but not unheard of. According to the data, it could be said that out of 1000 women, one woman out of 1000 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer is pregnant.
Although the number of pregnant women being diagnosed with ovarian cancer is small, the chances still exist; there’s a chance that women can be diagnosed with ovarian cancer during pregnancy.
Furthermore, the treatment for ovarian cancer during pregnancy is very complex and can be life-threatening. The choice of ovarian cancer treatment during pregnancy depends on both the pregnancy stage and the cancer’s progression level.
Risk Factors Associated with Ovarian Cancer in Pregnant Women
It is important to have a clear understanding of the risk factors for ovarian cancer in pregnant women. Here are some key risk factors given below:
1. Family history
The main risk factor for developing ovarian cancer is having relatives who have been diagnosed with cancer. If you have someone in your family who has ovarian cancer or breast cancer history, then your risk of ovarian cancer is higher. So, if you are pregnant, it’s important to notice the key difference between ovarian cancer and pregnancy symptoms for early treatment.
2. Genetic Mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2)
BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations also increase the risk of getting ovarian cancer in pregnant women. A woman who tests positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation might have regular screenings to watch for any changes in her ovaries during her pregnancy.
3: Age
Women who have reached their 30s represent the demographic with a high risk of developing ovarian cancer. So, if you are someone who is in their mid-30s and is pregnant, you have to stay cautious and pay more attention to any unusual symptoms.
4: Personal History of Cancer
Pregnant women with a history of cancer may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. So, women need to share their complete medical history with their doctors to have a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Challenges in Detecting Ovarian Cancer During Pregnancy
First of all, detecting ovarian cancer during pregnancy is not an easy task. This is challenging for both women and healthcare providers as the symptoms for both pregnancy and ovarian cancer are pretty much similar and, hence, can be misjudged quite a few times. Here are some of the challenges that pregnant women can face when diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
1. Overlapping Symptoms:
Diagnosing ovarian cancer becomes harder during pregnancy because the symptoms of both conditions match each other very closely. In other words, making a distinction between the two can become an issue. Both symptoms can be observed and are similar to each other. These overlays can delay the diagnosis and, in some cases, can put the fetus and mother in danger.
2. Limited Diagnostic Options:
Limited treatment options during pregnancy. The normal traditional treatment methods and drugs can be harmful to the baby. This can limit the scope of various tests doctors can perform to detect ovarian cancer and also cure it.
3. Hormonal Impact on Test Results:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect the results of ovarian cancer. Some tests, like CA-125, can also give false alarms, leading to confusion and unnecessary stress on expectant moms.
4. Delayed Medical Attention:
Mothers expecting their child often face delays in obtaining medical assistance. This is because of the two sets of symptoms involved. This leads to late detection and an increase in the level of complexity.
Can Ovarian Cancer Be Detected During Pregnancy?
Yes, ovarian cancer can be detected during pregnancy, but not without challenges.
This is primarily because of the subtle symptoms that have common links between pregnancy and ovarian cancer diagnosis.
Furthermore, there are also high risks involved when treating ovarian cancer during pregnancy. For instance, it is difficult to narrow down the effective treatment that could be a safer option for expectant moms and their babies.
In addition, Blood tests such as CA-125 can be used but might show higher levels due to pregnancy itself, making results unclear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ovarian cancer during pregnancy is difficult to diagnose due to overlapping symptoms, hormonal changes, and limited diagnostic options. This can result in delayed diagnosis, which can be harmful to both mother and baby. This is why early communication with healthcare providers and regular check-ups are critical during pregnancy, particularly for women with known risk factors such as family history or genetic mutations.
If you or someone you know is going through this situation, it is important to seek the advice of an expert medical professional.
Dr. Aditi Bhatt, one of the top ovarian cancer doctor in Ahmedabad, has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating complex cases of ovarian cancer, including ovarian cancer during pregnancy. Her patient-centered approach and comprehensive treatment options provide women with safe and effective care, even in high-risk situations.
By staying informed and consulting trusted experts like Dr. Aditi Bhatt, you can take proactive steps to protect the health of both mother and child.
