Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer forms in tissues of the ovary (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed).
- Most ovarian cancers are either ovarian epithelial carcinomas (cancer that begins in the cells on the surface of the ovary) or malignant germ cell tumors (cancer that begins in egg cells).
- There were 21,550 estimated new cases and 14,600 estimated deaths from endometrial cancer in the United States in 2009.
Treatment Methods
- Most women have surgery and chemotherapy.
- Rarely, radiation therapy is used.
Surgery
The surgeon makes a long cut in the wall of the abdomen. This type of surgery is called a laparotomy.
- If ovarian cancer is found, the surgeon removes both ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy), the uterus (hysterectomy), the omentum (the thin, fatty pad of tissue that covers the intestines), nearby lymph nodes and samples of tissue from the pelvis and abdomen.
- If the cancer has spread, the surgeon removes as much cancer as possible. This is called "debulking" surgery.
- If you have early Stage I ovarian cancer, the extent of surgery may depend on whether you want to get pregnant and have children. Some women with very early ovarian cancer may decide with their doctor to have only one ovary, one fallopian tube, and the omentum removed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Most women have chemotherapy for ovarian cancer after surgery. Some women have chemotherapy before surgery. Usually, more than one drug is given. Drugs for ovarian cancer can be given in different ways:
- By vein (IV): The drugs can be given through a thin tube inserted into a vein.
- By vein and directly into the abdomen: Some women get IV chemotherapy along with intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy. For IP chemotherapy, the drugs are given through a thin tube inserted into the abdomen.
- By mouth: Some drugs for ovarian cancer can be given by mouth.
Chemotherapy is given in cycles. Each treatment period is followed by a rest period. The length of the rest period and the number of cycles depend on the anticancer drugs used. You may have your treatment in a clinic, at the doctor's office, or at home. Some women may need to stay in the hospital during treatment.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. A large machine directs radiation at the body. Radiation therapy is rarely used in the initial treatment of ovarian cancer, but it may be used to relieve pain and other problems caused by the disease. The treatment is given at a hospital or clinic. Each treatment takes only a few minutes.
For further information about ovarian cancer, please visit the NCI Web site at to learn about ovarian cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doctor.
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