Ovarian Cancer Treatment
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries — the female reproductive glands that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Each woman has two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary grow uncontrollably and form a tumor.
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis or abdomen. This is why it’s sometimes referred to as a “silent killer.”
As a surgical oncologist in Pune, I often see women diagnosed at a later stage because early symptoms are vague. But with the right awareness and timely care, outcomes can improve significantly.
Types of Ovarian Cancer:
There are several types of ovarian cancer, based on the kind of cells where the cancer begins:
- Epithelial Tumors: This is the most common form of ovarian cancer, making up about 90% of cases. These tumors start in the epithelium, which is the thin layer of cells covering the outside surface of the ovary. Epithelial ovarian cancers usually occur in older women and can be aggressive if not detected early.
- Germ Cell Tumors: These tumors begin in the germ cells, which are the cells responsible for producing eggs. Germ cell tumors are relatively rare and tend to affect younger women, often in their teens or early adulthood. They generally grow faster but respond well to treatment.
- Stromal Tumors: Stromal tumors develop from the stromal cells—the hormone-producing cells that hold the ovary together and release hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These are less common and often diagnosed earlier because they can produce noticeable hormone-related symptoms such as abnormal bleeding.
Who Is at Risk for Ovarian Cancer?
Understanding your personal risk for ovarian cancer is the first step toward early detection and prevention. While ovarian cancer can affect women of any age, certain factors can increase your chances:
- Age over 50: Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed in women after menopause, typically over the age of 50. However, younger women—especially those with a strong family history—can also be affected.
- Family history of cancer: If your mother, sister, or grandmother had ovarian, breast, or even colon cancer, your risk may be higher. A strong family history may indicate the presence of inherited genetic mutations.
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations: Women with these mutations have a significantly increased risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. If you have a known mutation or a family history suggestive of one, genetic counseling and early screening are strongly recommended.
- Never having been pregnant or having children later in life: Women who have never had a full-term pregnancy or had children after the age of 35 may be at slightly higher risk, possibly due to uninterrupted ovulation over the years.
- Endometriosis: This condition, where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, has been linked to a higher risk of certain types of ovarian cancer, particularly clear cell and endometrioid subtypes.
- Long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Using estrogen-only HRT for many years, especially without progesterone, can slightly increase your risk of ovarian cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women.
If any of these risk factors apply to you, speak with your doctor about monitoring and screening options. As an Onco Surgeon clinic in Pune, I also work closely with genetic counselors for women with hereditary risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer often develops quietly, with symptoms that can be vague or mistaken for routine digestive or menstrual issues. That’s why many women don’t realize something is wrong until the disease has progressed. However, when these symptoms are persistent and occur frequently over several weeks, it’s important to take them seriously and talk to your doctor.
Here are some common early warning signs:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling: If your belly feels consistently bloated or swollen without any clear cause (like overeating), it could be a red flag—especially if it’s new or gets worse over time.
- Pelvic or abdominal pain: A dull ache or sharp pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region that doesn’t go away could be an early sign. This is often overlooked or blamed on menstrual cramps.
- Feeling full quickly while eating (early satiety): If you find yourself feeling full after eating just a small amount of food—especially if this happens often—it could be due to fluid buildup or pressure from an ovarian mass.
- Changes in bowel hab: New or worsening constipation, diarrhea, or irregular bowel movements—especially when combined with other symptoms—shouldn’t be ignored.
- Frequent or urgent urination: If you suddenly need to pee more often or feel a constant urge even when your bladder isn’t full, it may be caused by pressure from the ovaries on the bladder.
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue: Losing weight without trying, or feeling constantly tired and low on energy, may signal that your body is fighting something more serious.
- Pain during intercourse: New or worsening pain during sex is another symptom that could point to underlying pelvic issues, including ovarian cancer.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong with your body, it’s better to investigate early.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
There is no routine screening test for ovarian cancer like there is for cervical cancer. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of:
- Pelvic exam: To check for lumps or abnormalities
- Ultrasound or transvaginal ultrasound: To visualize the ovaries
- CT scan or MRI: To assess the spread of disease
- CA-125 blood test: Measures a protein that may be elevated in ovarian cancer
- Biopsy or surgery: To confirm the diagnosis and understand the cancer stage
As a Gynaecological Cancers specialist in Pune , my goal is to ensure early, accurate diagnosis through thorough evaluation and expert imaging review.
Stages of Ovarian Cancer:
Staging describes how far the cancer has spread and is crucial in planning your treatment:
- Stage I: Cancer is limited to the ovaries: At this early stage, the cancer is found in one or both ovaries and hasn’t spread beyond them. Many women diagnosed at this stage have a good chance of successful treatment with surgery, and sometimes chemotherapy.
- Stage II: Cancer has spread to pelvic organs: In Stage II, the cancer has moved beyond the ovaries and into nearby reproductive organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, or the bladder and rectum. Treatment may involve a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread within the abdomen or to lymph nodes: This is the most common stage at diagnosis. The cancer has reached the abdominal lining (peritoneum) or nearby lymph nodes. It may also affect the surface of the liver or spleen, but not deep into these organs. Treatment usually includes aggressive surgery (cytoreduction or debulking) followed by chemotherapy.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs: This is the most advanced stage. The cancer has spread to distant organs outside the abdominal area, such as the liver tissue, lungs, or fluid around the lungs. In such cases, treatment focuses on managing the disease, improving quality of life, and extending survival with a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and sometimes palliative surgery.
Early-stage cancers are more curable, but even advanced cases can be managed effectively with today’s advanced treatments.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment Options:
Treatment depends on the stage, type of cancer, your age, general health, and fertility goals. As a surgeon who treats complex cancers, I take a multidisciplinary approach for every patient.
1. Surgery:
Surgery is the main treatment for ovarian cancer. Depending on the stage, it may involve:
- Removing one or both ovaries
- Hysterectomy (removal of uterus)
- Omentectomy (removal of fatty tissue in the abdomen)
- Lymph node removal
- Debulking surgery (removing as much cancer as possible)
I perform both open and minimally invasive procedures, including robotic surgery, when suitable. My goal is to remove all visible cancer while preserving fertility if possible.
2. Chemotherapy:
After surgery, most women receive chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. It’s usually given through IV infusions in cycles, over several months.
Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, and hair loss, but we now have effective ways to manage them and keep you comfortable.
3. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy:
For advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer, newer drugs like PARP inhibitors are available. These drugs target specific weaknesses in cancer cells, especially for patients with BRCA mutations.
Immunotherapy is also being explored in clinical trials to boost your own immune system against cancer.
4. Hormonal Therapy:
In select cases, especially for stromal tumors, hormone-blocking medications can slow cancer growth.
Can Ovarian Cancer Be Prevented?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, you can lower your risk with these steps:
- Oral contraceptives: Long-term use (5+ years) has been shown to reduce risk.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: These lower lifetime ovulation, which may help protect ovaries.
- Prophylactic surgery: Women with BRCA mutations may choose to remove ovaries preventively after completing their families.
- Healthy lifestyle: Avoid smoking, maintain a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
If you have a family history of cancer, consider genetic counseling and BRCA testing.
Why Choose Me for Ovarian Cancer Treatment?
With over 9 years of experience in surgical oncology, I specialize in treating gynaecological cancers using the most advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
As an experienced Onco Surgeon in Pune, I take a personalized, compassionate approach — ensuring every woman receives not just treatment, but dignity, clarity, and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Conclusion:
Ovarian cancer can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. With timely diagnosis and the right treatment, there is real hope for recovery. As a dedicated Surgical Oncologist in Pune, my focus is not just on removing the disease — but on restoring your well-being and confidence. At Chirag’s cancer care clinic in pune , you’ll receive advanced care backed by a compassionate, multidisciplinary team.
Take the first step — reach out today. Whether you have symptoms, a recent diagnosis, or just need clarity, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s walk this journey together — toward healing, strength, and a better tomorrow.