Cancer of the ovaries is the second most common form of gynecological cancer with an estimated 21,800 new cases expected to be diagnosed in 2010. The ovaries are a major part of a woman’s reproductive system in that they are responsible for producing two female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and releasing eggs into the fallopian tubes for pregnancy to occur.
As with all other cancers, the decision to pursue a particular avenue of treatment depends largely on the stage of the cancer at diagnoses. Additionally, any treatment decision should take place through close and open lines of communication between both the oncologist and patient. Treatment options for ovarian cancer may include one or more of the following:
Some treatment options for ovarian cancer
- Surgery
- Called a laparotomy, a surgeon cuts into the wall of the abdomen to remove both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, the omentum, which is the thin, fatty tissue that covers the intestines. During the surgery, nearby lymph nodes also will be removed and tested to determine whether or not the ovarian cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- Some women who are diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer and still want to try to have children after treatment, may opt to have only one ovary or fallopian tube removed in hopes of still being able to become pregnant.
- Chemotherapy
- Most women are treated with chemotherapy after ovarian cancer surgery. A combination of chemotherapies is typically used for this form of cancer and is likely to be given as a pill, by an IV, or through a small tube inserted directly into the abdomen.
- Radiation Therapy
- Radiation therapy, the use of high energy rays to destroy cancer cells, is rarely used for the initial treatment of ovarian cancer. However, at times radiation therapy is used to relieve pain associated with ovarian cancer.
