Treatment
Treatment depends on the extent of the cancer and your general health.
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.
Treatments include:
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%.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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