Typically, the organ in question is fully removed in all these procedures. In some of the advanced cancers, complete removal of the cancer cells is not possible. In such cases, the possible amount of tumor is removed in a procedure called debulking surgery. Such patients require an extensive operation performed by the surgeon, who is a specialized gynecologic oncology surgeon. Therefore, ovarian cancer surgery requires a prolonged stay in the hospital, which lasts for at least three to seven days, plus a recovery period of at least four to six weeks. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs interfere with cell division process and damages the DNA of the cancer cells to reduce their number and stop them from growing any further. Patients will often benefit greatly from its use in the case of ovarian cancer because ovarian cancer patients are able to tolerate it better because of fewer chemotherapy side effects. In case of ovarian cancer treatment, chemotherapy drugs can be given into the vein intravenously (IV) or placed directly into the abdomen (IP).
Dennis S. Chi Ronald O. Perelman Chair in Gynecologic Surgery; Deputy Chief, Gynecology Service; Head, Ovarian Cancer Surgery, Department of Surgery Ginger J. Gardner Section, Ovarian Cancer Surgery; Physician Lead, Gynecology Disease Management Team Alliance; Vice Chair of Hospital Operations, Department of Surgery Kara Long Roche Associate Director, Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program; Section, Ovarian Cancer Surgery Oliver Zivanovic Director, Innovative Surgical Technology, Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery
Chemotherapy treatment is a cancer treatment utilising highly effective drugs injected into one's blood circulation or swallowed in a form of a pill. Recovery Recovery from ovarian cancer surgery may take several weeks (4-6 weeks on average). For the first few days, you will stay at a hospital. You will have a drain in order to remove fluid from the site of your surgery as well as a catheter to urinate. After a few days, you will be allowed to go home. While a reasonable amount of movement is allowed and even encouraged, do not try to make heavy works for the first few weeks after surgery for ovarian cancer. As for chemotherapy treatment which follows ovarian cancer surgery, it may make you feel weak and exhausted. It is advised to have a healthy diet and exercise within one's capability. There will be also some long-lasting side effects of chemotherapy. Risks Risks of ovarian cancer surgery involve: • Damage to other organs such as bowels, bladder. • Infection. • Internal bleeding. As for chemotherapy treatment risks, these are: • Damage to lungs • Problems with kidneys • Neurological problems • Secondary cancer risk Side Effects To main side effects of ovarian cancer treatment belongs infertility.
Explore the Ovarian Cancer Treatment Program Overview Specialists in the Center for Gynecologic Oncology are experienced in the treatment of all stages and forms of common and rare types of ovarian cancer, including: Epithelial cell Germ cell Stromal cell Extra-ovarian primary peritoneal carcinoma (EOPPC) We are committed to providing you with compassionate, effective treatment based on the most advanced approaches for preserving sexual, reproductive and hormone function. Innovative Approaches In addition to traditional approaches, we offer the following innovative approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer: Access to leading-edge medical therapies Newest surgical innovations with emphasis on minimally invasive procedures Integrative therapies, such as acupuncture and yoga Genetic counseling and testing for patients and family members is available at our Center for Cancer Risk Assessment. This service is especially valuable for patients with a family history of ovarian and related cancers.
Pioneering Research We're constantly researching newer and more advanced ovarian cancer treatment, including working to understand it on the molecular and genetic level. In some cases, we can offer gene therapy and targeted therapies that are available at only a few places in the nation. We are proud to house a prestigious federally funded ovarian cancer SPORE (Specialized Program of Research Excellence) program. This means we are able to offer a wide variety of clinical trials for new therapies. Ovarian Cancer Treatments If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your doctor will discuss the best options to treat it. This depends on several factors, including: The stage of the cancer The size of the tumor after surgery (debulking) Your desire to have children Your age and overall health One or more of the following therapies may be recommended to treat ovarian cancer or help relieve symptoms. Ovarian Cancer Surgery Surgery is the main treatment for ovarian cancer. Often times, ovarian cancer surgery is done to remove or biopsy a mass to find out if it is cancer.
The primary therapy is always surgery. The aim of the To be able to visually assess the various organs up to the diaphragm, a large longitudinal incision must be made in the midline of the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery is only considered in the case of early-stage ovarian cancer is. First, a biopsy of the tumor is examined by a pathologist. Only if the suspicion of ovarian carcinoma is confirmed, the surgery where the ovaries and uterus are removed will be continued. The omentum and parts of the peritoneum are also removed. Then all organs, lymph nodes, and the diaphragm are examined in detail and, if possible, all other visible tumor parts are removed. It may be necessary to remove the spleen, parts of the bladder, and the intestines as well. During these often difficult operations there is close cooperation between gynecologists, surgeons, urologists, and the intensive care unit. The more parts of the tumor can be removed, the greater the chance of recovery through subsequent chemotherapy.