Ovarian Cancer Treatments

General Approach

If ovarian cancer is found, staging tests are done. They will help to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent.

The more advanced the tumor, the poorer the prognosis. About, 75% of all epithelial tumors are in an advanced when they are found. The overall five-year survival rate is about 50%.

Surgery is often the first step. Afterwards, you will receive chemotherapy . Sometimes, radiation therapy of the abdomen is given.

Surgery

The cancerous tumor and nearby tissue will be removed. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given in many forms including pill, injection, and via a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream. They travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells. Some healthy cells are killed as well.

Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy)

This therapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be:

• External radiation therapy—radiation directed at the abdomen from a source outside the body
• Intra-abdominal P32—sometimes a radioactive solution may be introduced into the abdomen as part of treatment

The more advanced the tumor at diagnosis, the poorer the prognosis. Unfortunately, 75% of all epithelial tumors are stage 3 or 4 at the time of diagnosis. The overall five-year survival rate is about 50%.