Ovarian cancer is a complex condition that frequently presents with no warning until it has already progressed, making awareness and holistic care of utmost importance. While conventional treatment modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation often have the highest priority in the treatment of this disease, many people still seek out homeopathy as a complementary approach to healing.
Homeopathy approaches treatment by treating the individual rather than solely the impact of the physical illness, while also addressing the unwanted emotional and mental burden that often accompanies a diagnosis of cancer. Regardless of what stage the cancer is in, the homeopathic aim is to strengthen the person’s own immunity and support their vitality and well-being when considering the effects of aggressive treatments and/or side effects.
Homeopathy is ultimately distinguished by offering gentle and individualized care aligned to the unique constitution and needs of each person. Through this approach and process, it is possible to effect change in quality of life, resiliency, and emotional stability throughout the duration of treatment.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a cancerous tumor that begins in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones (such as estrogen and progesterone). Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious cancers of the female reproductive system. It is particularly dangerous because it is often not detected until it has spread beyond the ovaries.
Ovarian tumors are classified into several different types. Epithelial ovarian tumors are the most common form and originate from the outer layer of the ovary. Germ cell tumors and stromal tumors are far less common. Each type of tumor behaves differently and can have a unique treatment approach.
What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
The first signs of ovarian cancer can be vague, subtle, and mistaken for common digestive or urinary problems such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract infections, and menstrual issues. This contributes to the diagnosis of ovarian cancer often not occurring until the later stages of the disease.
- Persistent abdominal bloating or a swollen abdomen.
This is not the occasional bloating many women experience. In ovarian cancer, bloating tends to be constant, and over weeks and months, you may begin to see abdominal swelling.
- Pelvic or abdominal pain that won’t go away.
If you have chronic, dull, or sharp pains in the lower abdominal or pelvic area, and they linger without an identified cause, it is best to get them evaluated by your doctor.
- Feeling full quickly
Feeling full quickly, also referred to as early satiety, this feeling can strike even when you eat a very small amount. This can lead to unexplained weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
- A change in appetite or being unable to eat.
With early satiety, you may have a decrease in appetite or food aversions; the decreased appetite often goes unnoticed until other symptoms occur.
- Increased urgency or frequency of urination.
Having to urinate more often or feeling like you need to go—sometimes urgently, without having consumed much—could be a sign of increased pressure placed on the bladder by a growing tumor.
These symptoms tend to worsen and become more noticeable as the cancer progresses. If any of these are happening frequently—say more than 12 times a month—it’s good to check in with a doctor.
What are the Causes of Ovarian Cancer?
While the precise reasons for ovarian cancer are still being suggested, doctors and scientists are aware of a number of risk factors that could increase a woman’s chance of developing it. Though it does not guarantee that cancer signs will develop, they usually raise the likelihood of developing it, especially if you have several risk factors.
Some of the best-established risk factors are:
- Genetics and Family History.
There are gene mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2), which more often than not raise your risk of a hereditary form of it. Women with a maternal or paternal family history of ovarian or breast cancer are more at risk.
- Age
Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed in women over 50, particularly after menopause.Hormones. - Hormonal Factors
Having your monthly period at a very early age, bleeding later on in life, and using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a long period of time are all associated with an increased risk of malignancy associated with prolonged exposure to estrogen. - Infertility or Not Having Children
Women who have never been pregnant, or women who have been exposed to fertility drugs may be at somewhat higher risk, possibly for reasons associated with uninterrupted cycles of ovulation. - Endometriosis
Women with endometrial cancer, which is sporadic tissue that sometimes grows outside of the uterus, have an increased risk of some tumors of the ovary. - Obesity
Excess body fat can lead to hormonal imbalances, especially higher estrogen levels, which may fuel cancer development.
While not all risk factors can be controlled, regular screenings and awareness can help in early identification.
How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
Detecting ovarian cancer when it is in an early stage can be difficult. However, a combination of diagnostic procedures can be used to help identify the disease:
- Pelvic Examination
This is a doctor manually checking the ovaries, uterus, and organs adjacent to these areas for lumps, areas that may have swollen or tender spots, with the intent of identifying abnormalities. This method does not always find very small tumors; however, it often helps to diagnose ovarian tumors. - Transvaginal Ultrasound
This imaging test utilizes sound waves to create detailed images of the ovaries and uterus. This imaging would be able to detect the dimensions, unique shape, and internal structure of any ovarian masses or cysts, providing the ability to distinguish between solid and fluid-filled abnormalities. - CA-125 Blood Test
This is a blood test that measures Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) which is a protein often elevated in women with ovarian cancer. The CA-125 test alone cannot determine that you have cancer, but it could be used in conjunction with other imaging studies and symptoms, especially if you are at high risk. - CT Scan or MRI
CT scans and MRIs acquire cross-sectional images of your abdomen and pelvis. This imaging can find the size of the tumor, its extent to surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, and if any distant organs have been affected. This scan also helps assist in your diagnosis if your doctor feels there is are tumor mass in those areas. - Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a tissue or fluid sample for microscope examination. A biopsy is the only reliable way to determine whether a mass is cancerous and the type and grade of the cancer.
Early diagnosis can make a big difference to survival and treatment options.
What are the Stages of Ovarian Cancer?
Staging is crucial to determine the extent of the disease. The stages of ovarian cancer are:
- Stage I
In this earliest stage, the cancer is confined to one or both ovaries. The cancer has not spread outside the ovaries. If a person is diagnosed and treated at this stage, it has the potential for a much better chance of survival, along with a potential for better long-term survival. - Stage II
In this stage, cancer has moved to nearby pelvic organs, which are potentially the uterus, fallopian tubes, or bladder. Signs and symptoms may start to be more apparent, and treatment would typically consist of surgery and chemotherapy. - Stage III
This stage indicates that cancer has grown beyond the pelvis into the abdomen, the peritoneal lining, or into nearby lymph nodes. This is the most commonly diagnosed stage, as by this stage, the signs and symptoms of the disease become apparent and are often noticeable. - Stage IV
Cancer has metastasized to other organs such as the liver, lungs, or fluid around the lungs (pleura). This is considered an advanced disease stage, and treatment would primarily consist of symptom management and quality of life improvement, and potentially extend survival.
The stage of cancer impacts the treatment and prognosis. Every year, most women are diagnosed in stage III or IV due to delayed diagnosis.
Homeopathy Treatment for Ovarian Cancer
Homeopathy provides a complementary option for managing ovarian cancer and is especially useful for improving quality of life and limiting treatment side effects. The homeopathy treatment for ovarian cancer focuses on:
- Improving Immunity
Homeopathic remedies enhance the body’s own defense mechanism to resist the spread of cancer cells. Strengthening immunity enables the body to withstand the disease as well as the side effects of conventional treatments, of chemotherapy or radiation.
- Emotional Support
Emotional distress is frequently part of a cancer diagnosis. The psychological states, including fear, sadness, and anxiety, are treated with homeopathy, and it can provide support for mental fortitude and emotional balance throughout the treatment journey. - Side Effect Management
While it is unfortunate that chemotherapy and radiation are needed to treat cancer, the side effects can be incredibly harsh, such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss, headaches, and increased digestive issues. Homeopathic remedies can be provided to alleviate side effects naturally without causing more toxicity to the body. - Personalized Care
Homeopathy stands apart from other approaches to treatment in that it is an individualized treatment, not assessed based on a singular treatment method. Homeopathy is highly individualized, specifically to the person, their physical symptoms, emotional tendencies, including their complete medical history. Homeopathy offers a more holistic assessment, so the remedy selected works for both the physical condition and the emotional-mental state of the patient to improve treatment outcomes.
Dr. Ankur Prakash’s integrative homeopathic cancer care is complementary to conventional therapy rather than being an alternative. The primary purpose of Dr. Ankur’s approach is to help limit the chances of relapses, to support the body through difficult treatment periods, and to overall improve the resilience and well-being of the patient.
Homeopathy Medicine for Ovarian Cancer
Homeopaths select the appropriate homeopathic remedy by examining the patient’s symptom picture, which includes the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional ailments. Some examples of homeopathic medicines commonly given to ovarian cancer patients are:
- Carcinosin: For patients who have a significant family history of cancer and are suppressing emotions.
- Conium Maculatum: When the tumors are immobile and hard, especially associated with hormonal impairment.
- Thuja Occidentalis: For patients with hormonal imbalances, cystic ovaries, or a past history of warts or vaccination.
- Lachesis: For post-menopausal women presenting with disturbances primarily on the left, with emotional fluctuations.
- Calcarea Carbonica: For patients who are chilly, tired, and more prone to infections.
- Arsenicum Album:For patients who are restless, anxious, and feel burning pains – all common symptoms of advanced cancer.
These medicines are not a one-size-fits-all remedy and should be administered by a qualified homeopath.
Conclusion
So, what about ovarian cancer: Is it curable? The answer depends on how early it is diagnosed and how well the body responds to treatment. If it is diagnosed in Stage I or II, the number of cancer cells is reduced, and the future is much brighter. This is the importance of understanding the symptoms of ovarian cancer, recognizing the causes of ovarian cancer, and the stage of ovarian cancer.
Although conventional medicine is an integral part of the treatment of cancer, also, homeopathic treatment for ovarian cancer offers a different, non-toxic approach with a natural and patient-centered process that can nurture recovery and enhance quality of life. Dr. Ankur Prakash’s knowledge of integrative cancer care continues to offer a number of women a journey through this difficult experience with hope and dignity.
