1. Ovarian Cancer Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Ovarian Cancer Quiz
3. 15 Cancer Symptoms Women Ignore Slideshow

Medical Author:

Robert P Edwards, MD

Coauthor:

Jana M Lee, MD

Coauthor:

Paul Blackburn, DO, FACOEP, FACEP

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Lee P Shulman, MD

A woman seen by her health care provider, in an emergency department, or in a clinic who is told that she may have a mass in her ovary should follow up immediately as recommended for more testing. Early detection of ovarian cancer is essential to ensure a better chance for long-term survival and good quality of life.

Following any type of surgery to remove an ovarian mass, detailed instructions on how to care for herself at home along with information regarding appropriate follow-up care are provided to the woman.

If a woman was treated successfully for ovarian cancer, she will need regular physical examinations for the rest of her life and will likely be scheduled to have her CA-125 level checked every 3-4 months.

• Even if the ovaries and other pelvic organs are removed, residual cancer may go undetected.
• In order to identify recurrent cancer early, the health care provider should schedule regular visits, even if no symptoms are present.

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