Ovarian Cancer - Treatment
A diagnosis of ovarian cancer may feel daunting, but there is hope. The sooner you act, the better. By becoming proactive in your treatment, you can seek the care that you deserve. Don’t wait.
If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, one of the most important things you can do is to contact a gynecologic oncologist as soon as possible. Fortunately, ovarian cancer is often treatable, and this special type of doctor might be able to help.
A gynecologic oncologist is a physician who specializes in caring for cancers of a woman’s reproductive organs. Because they understand the most effective forms of treatment, their treatment results in the highest cure rates for these particular cancer types.
To locate a gynecologic oncologist near you, you can refer to the Gynecologic Oncologist database at the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation site here.
By asking your gynecologic oncologist comprehensive questions, you can become more proactive in your treatment. A diagnosis of ovarian cancer might seem overwhelming at first, but once you receive more information, you will feel empowered and hopeful. Arm yourself with the following questions:
-Is there a suggested diet I should follow?
-What is done during the surgery for ovarian cancer?
-Will I require additional treatment like chemotherapy?
-How will the chemotherapy be given?
-What are the possible side effects of my treatments?
-What are my chances of remission?
-Will my cancer recur? If it does, what then?
-What are my chances of cure?
-Will this hurt my chances of having children?
-How often will I need a follow up visits?
-What are my options, and what are your recommendations?
-What stage? is my cancer in?
Your gynecologic oncologist will help you make informed decisions regarding which treatment options would best serve you. The most common treatments include:
-Surgery - The surgical procedure required for the best treatment of ovarian cancer is a process call “debulking”. This means that every attempt is made by your gynecologic oncologist to remove every visible “lump or bump” associated with the cancer. It is important for a gynecologic oncologist to perform this procedure, as this process is quite extensive and might involve the extraction of organ parts. The uterus, cervix, and one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed. Many other tissues should be biopsied or removed. For example, lymph nodes and the fat pad that hangs from the stomach (called the omentum) should be removed.
-Chemotherapy - When cancer has spread beyond the ovaries, chemotherapy is commonly recommended. These drugs, usually put into a blood vein through an IV or inserted into the body by a tube in the abdomen, attempts to kill the cancer cell or stop them from growing. For more information about the drugs used in ovarian chemotherapy, visit our "Chemotherapy Drugs" subsection.
-Radiation Therapy - Radiation therapy is rarely utilized as a treatment for ovarian cancer. This treatment, uses high-energy x-rays to shrink the tumors or to kill cancer cells, and is administered by machines outside the body.
-Targeted Therapy - Targeted therapy attacks the specific mechanisms that grow the cancer cells, such as particular enzymes or new blood vessel formations specific to ovarian cancer tumors.
These treatments specifically attack the unique things about the cancer cells. Much research is being done in this area of potential treatment.
-Biologic Therapy - This investigational treatment, also known as immunotherapy or biotherapy, boosts the bodies natural defense against cancer. For example, research is being done to develop potential vaccines against ovarian cancer.
Though various treatment options can be vital in the battle against ovarian cancer, there are some known side effects. These effects range from nausea to infection to fertility issues. It is important to understand the side effects.
Surgery for the prevention or treatment of ovarian cancer will cause changes within the body. Please be sure to discuss the following side effects with your gynecologic oncologist:
-The removal of the uterus will cause a loss of fertility
-If not already at menopause, following removal of the ovaries, menopause will be reached. Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when the ovaries no longer produce high levels of female hormones and when periods stop.
-You may also experience healing complications from surgery. Speak with your doctor about the possible risks of surgery.
-Surgery may also lead to the formation of scar tissue in the abdomen. Often, scar tissue causes no noticeable problems. However, there are times that scar tissue may cause pain or blockage of vital organs.
Most of the side effects from chemotherapy are temporary. Once therapy is over, most side effects lessen or go away. Hair loss is common, but hair grows back in a three or four month period. It might become a different color or texture.
Below are some common side effects of chemotherapy:
-Nausea and vomiting
-Hair loss
-Loss of appetite or change in taste
-Rashes on hands or feet
-Kidney damage
-Nerve damage to hands and feet
-Mouth sores
-Increased chance of infection
-Bruises easily
-Difficult to stop bleeding
-Fatigue
-Anemia or low blood count
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Though radiation is not commonly used with ovarian cancer, there are specific circumstances that may call for radiation therapy.
In this case, there are possible side effects, which include:
-Treated skin will appear red or irritated
-Fatigue or tiredness
-Nausea
-Kidney damage
-Diarrhea
-Formation of scar tissue
-Formation of fistulas (abnormal connections between organs that are not normally connected, i.e., bladder and vagina)
Last Updated on Thursday, 04 August 2011 13:07
