Surgery

Surgery is the main treatment for ovarian cancer.

Surgery choices

• A total hysterectomy. This surgery removes the uterus and the cervix.
• A unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This surgery removes one ovary and one fallopian tube.
• A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This surgery removes both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
• An omentectomy. This surgery removes the fatty tissue (omentum) attached to some of the organs in the belly. It's done to see if the cancer has spread.
• A lymph node biopsy. Nearby lymph nodes are removed and checked for cancer cells.

If you have very early-stage ovarian cancer and wish to have children, discuss your choices with your doctor.

What to think about

Having an experienced gynecologic oncologist will help you get the best possible treatment and live longer than having a doctor who doesn't have as much experience treating ovarian cancer.⁵

Side effects from your surgery can include trouble urinating or problems with your bowels, such as constipation or diarrhea. Your ability to have or enjoy sexual intercourse may also be affected.

If your ovaries are removed, you may have symptoms of menopause. Talk with your doctor about treatment to manage these symptoms.

Other Treatment

Radiation treatment

Radiation treatment for ovarian cancer uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It's not used very often to treat ovarian cancer.

• External beam radiation comes from a machine outside the body. The machine aims radiation at the area where the cancer cells are found.
• Internal radiation uses needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that contain radioactive materials placed close to the ovaries or inside the body.

Side effects of radiation may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain or discomfort when urinating, and bladder inflammation and scarring. You may also have an increased risk of infection.

Complementary therapies

People sometimes use complementary therapies along with medical treatment to help relieve symptoms and side effects of cancer treatments. Some of the complementary therapies that may be helpful include:

• Acupuncture to relieve pain.
• Meditation or yoga to relieve stress.
• Massage and biofeedback to reduce pain and ease tension.
• Breathing exercises for relaxation.

These mind-body treatments may help you feel better. They can make it easier to cope with treatment. They also may reduce chronic low back pain, joint pain, headaches, and pain from treatments.

Before you try a complementary therapy, talk to your doctor about the possible value and potential side effects. Let your doctor know if you are already using any of these therapies. They are not meant to take the place of standard medical treatment.