Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy in women in the United States, with about 21,650 new cases diagnosed each year. The ovaries are small female reproductive organs that reside in the pelvis. The ovary makes female hormones and stores all of the egg cells, which are released once a month during ovulation. There are two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus, or womb. Egg cells are delivered from the ovaries to the uterus by hollow organs called fallopian tubes.The optimal treatment of ovarian cancer requires a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and, in some rare cases, radiation therapy. When ovarian cancer is suspected because of pelvic growth, additional evaluation is necessary.

Ovarian cancers may spread to other organs in the pelvis, local or regional lymph nodes, the surface of the abdominal contents, or through the blood to other locations in the body, most frequently to the bowel, bladder, uterus, lungs, and liver. In order to effectively plan treatment, it is important to first determine the extent of the spread or the stage of the cancer. In order to gain the most information prior to surgery, a number of tests are performed. These may include an ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis and several blood tests, including a CA-125 level.

Accurate surgical evaluation of ovarian cancer is necessary for nearly all patients and can only be accomplished during a laparotomy to determine the stage of the cancer and to remove as much cancer as possible. Patients who have already undergone surgery for ovarian cancer and know their stage of cancer may select from the options below. Patients who have not yet undergone surgery can select Surgical Management of Ovarian Cancer.