Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer in the UK, with 6959 cases diagnosed in 2002. It accounts for 6% of all cancer deaths and has a five year survival rate of about 28% (Cancer research UK, 2005). This paper will focus on the diagnosis, and treatment of one 38 year old patient. Mrs A has been chosen as the course of her disease and the treatment she received has shown itself typical, however because of her comparatively young age, its personal effects are quite specific. Following an exploration into the physiology and risk factors of ovarian cancer, this paper will analyse current research and critically analyse the treatment Mrs A received.
In 2004 Mrs A, a married lady with no children presented to her GP with abdominal discomfort and distension. A Computerised Tomography (CT scan) showed a large pelvic mass. A total abdominal hysterectomy, a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy and an omentectomy were then performed. Masses in both ovaries were found extending to the surface of the lower bowel. Histology reported bilateral grade 2 serous carcinoma, classified as stage 2b. Following surgery Mrs A proceeded to have six courses of carboplatin chemotherapy. After completion she was seen every three months where her CA125, tumour marker was checked. In July 2006 her CA125 began to rise and in September 2006 she was diagnosed with diffuse metastatic disease involving the lungs , liver thoracic and abdominal nodes. She was retreated with a combination therapy of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel, unfortunately during the summer of 2007 she relapsed again and started on Caelyx chemotherapy.
To understand the cause of ovarian cancer first it is necessary to look at what happens within the body under a normal situation. In order to function, the body must replace damaged or lost cells. Cellular proliferation occurs as a result of two events, duplication of DNA within the cells and mitosis.
Food is a nutritious substance that is a physiological need of plants, animals and humans in order to sustain vitality. The food consumption of the human population varies geographically, from culture to culture, in different races and religions, through different beliefs and or simply by taste pref...