The Side Effects Of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is caused by uncontrolled growth of cells in the ovaries. This type of cancer can involve the formation of tumors in the area and can also spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment of this disease must be performed by a qualified specialist to ensure that the side effects are as minimal as possible. Nevertheless, there are certain adverse reactions to treatment that may be unavoidable, such as those we will discuss below.

Side effects of surgical procedures from ovarian cancer

In this article we will talk about the discomfort, side effects and consequences that patients with ovarian cancer may face during the treatment of this difficult disease.

Ovarian cancer: Effects of anesthesia

Anesthesia for all types of surgeries can cause some side effects that are not necessarily serious, but they can be unpleasant and cause problems in the short term.

Some of the negative side effects of general anesthesia include respiratory or heart problems, blood clots, bleeding and infections.

Effects on the body

During the operation, certain parts of the body will be directly affected, including the bladder, blood vessels, intestines and lymph nodes. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove lymph nodes found in a patient’s pelvis.

If this is the case, there is a risk that the lymphatic system will break down. This can cause lymphedema. This causes the legs to fill with fluid, which leads to swelling.

Extreme side effects

There is a chance that during the operation to remove tumors it will be necessary to remove small parts of organs in the abdomen, such as the intestines. It may also be necessary to remove part of the liver, gallbladder or spleen.

It is possible that the patient loses the ability to give birth after the operation. In case they want to have children, they should therefore make sure to undergo fertility-preserving treatment before the operation. This will guarantee that they have viable eggs for a future pregnancy.

The effects of chemotherapy

The side effects of chemotherapy will vary depending on the medicine used.

Common side effects

• Total or partial hair loss
• Excessive fatigue
• Bleeding and infections caused by loss of red blood cells
• Anemia
• Nausea, vomiting and watery stools (diarrhea)
• Mouth sores and loss or change in the sense of taste
• Cramps or tingling due to damage to peripheral nerves
• Mild pain in the ears and muscles
• Redness, darkness and inflammation of the skin

Ovarian cancer: Uncommon side effects

• Blurred vision
• Low blood pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Allergic reactions
• Headache or migraine

The effects of radiation

The effects of radiation and chemotherapy are the same. However, patients undergoing radiation therapy are also at risk of developing digestive problems.

Natural ways to reduce the side effects of ovarian cancer

When we are faced with a degenerative disease such as cancer, nature gives us the tools to make medicines that are very beneficial.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these foods and medicinal plants.

1. Mint tea

The antioxidant properties of mint will strengthen the immune system and help the body prevent and fight diseases such as ovarian cancer. It is also excellent for soothing stomach ailments, one of the most common symptoms associated with this disease.

Ingredients

• 7 to 10 mint leaves
• 250 ml of water
• Honey or lemon juice to taste

Cooking

• Boil the water.
• When it boils, add the mint leaves.
• Remove from the heat and let it soak.
• Add honey or lemon juice if desired.
• You can drink this tea at any time of the day. However, it is best to have a cup in the morning.

2. Shiitake Mushroom

These mushrooms contain beta-glucan, a chemical that has been shown to inhibit certain types of cancer. Shiitake mushrooms are common in Japan where they are used to treat ovarian cancer and other diseases.

Ingredients

• 12 fresh shiitake soup
• A bundle of spring onions (200 g)
• Sea salt
• 1 tablespoon sunflower oil (15 g)
• 1 small head with romaine lettuce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 ml)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30 ml)
• ½ tablespoon mirin (7.5 g)

Cooking

• Cut off the tops of the shiitake mushrooms.
• Chop the spring onion and season the mushrooms and spring onion with sea salt.
• Place this mixture on a grill or fry it until the mushrooms are golden brown.
• Mix the liquid ingredients to make the sauce.
• Wash the salad and dry it well.
• Tear the leaves into pieces.
• Mix everything in a salad bowl.