Once a diagnosis has been given you might be wondering your options and how to move forward with getting treated. Don’t worry as today we will break down all you need to know. Usually, treatment follows a combination of surgery and chemotherapy and in other situations, different therapies will be used.
Surgery Operations include:
Surgery to remove one ovary: For early-stage cancer that has not spread this is the best option as it removes the affected ovary in the fallopian tube while preserving a possibility of pregnancy.
Surgery to remove both ovaries: If the cancer is present in both ovaries your surgeon will remove both, leaving the uterus intact.
Surgery To Remove Both Ovaries & Uterus: If your cancer is much greater and you don’t want to preserve your ability to have children this operation is an option. Your surgeon will then be removing the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, nearby lymph nodes, and fatty abdominal tissue (omentum).
Surgery For Advanced Cancer: If it has spread rapidly your doctor may remove as much as possible but sometimes chemotherapy is needed either before or after the surgery.
Chemotherapy:
A drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in the body, including cancer cells. It can either be injected in vain or taken by mouth.
It is often used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might remain, but it has also been used before. In certain situations, these chemotherapy drugs will be heated and infused into the abdomen (Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) during surgery for a certain time until they are drained and the operation is complete.
Targeted Therapy:
Targeted drug options focus on weakness present in the cancer cells, by attacking this part the treatment causes the cancer to die.
If this seems the best option for you, your doctor will test your cells to see which therapy will be the most effective for your cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy:
This therapy uses drugs to block the effects of the hormone estrogen on ovarian cancer cells. Some ovarian cells use estrogen to grow so blocking it will help control it.
This treatment option is more commonly used for slow-growing ovarian cancer and may also be an option if the cancer comes back after initial treatment.
Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy leverages the body's immune system to combat cancer. Typically, cancer cells can evade detection by producing proteins that help them hide from immune responses. Immunotherapy works by interfering with these mechanisms, enabling the immune system to recognize and attack the cancer cells more effectively.
Supportive (Palliative) Care:
Specialized medical care focuses on removing pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. A care specialist works for you or your family to give an extra layer of support with your ongoing care.
When palliative care is used in conjunction with other appropriate treatments, individuals with cancer may experience improved well-being and potentially extend their lifespan.
Palliative care is delivered by a team of doctors, nurses, and other specialized professionals. The goal of palliative care teams is to enhance the quality of life for both patients with cancer and their families. This type of care is provided alongside curative or other ongoing treatments.
If you have any other questions, consult your doctor and conduct thorough research.
Source: Mayo Clinic , May 9th 2023
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