Our online Learning Center has up-to-date, evidence-based information about numerous topics related to ovarian cancer, including diagnostic tests, treatment options, management of treatment side effects, and more.

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These resources are not a substitute for the guidance of your physician but can help you learn more about ovarian cancer and what to expect during treatment. All content is provided courtesy of the Mayo Clinic Health Library.

Patients with ovarian cancer usually do not experience symptoms until the disease is advanced. These symptoms may include:

• persistent abdominal bloating
• indigestion and/or nausea
• loss of appetite
• a feeling of pressure in the pelvis or lower back 
• needing to urinate more frequently 
• feeling tired more often 

If you are having any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to your physician.

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Early detection of cancer can be key to successful treatment, so it is important to understand what increases your risk of endometrial cancer. Risk factors can include:

• family history of disease
• age 
• personal history of premenopausal breast cancer 
• infertility and not bearing children

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There are several different types of tests for ovarian cancer. 

• Pelvic Exam: A physical examination of the external and internal female pelvic organs.
• Pelvic Ultrasound: A scan of the organs and structures of the pelvis. There are two types of ultrasound:
• transabdominal: a "wand" with gel is placed on the outside of the abdomen (belly area)
• transvaginal: a "wand" covered with a plastic or latex sheet and gel is placed into the vagina
• CT Scan: The combination of a series of x-rays to create detailed images of the inside of your abdomen and pelvis.
• MRI: This test uses magnetic waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the pelvis.
  
• CA125 Blood Test: CA125 is often called a “biomarker” or “tumor marker,” as it provides information about the biological state of a disease. CA125 can be detected in blood.
  
• PET Scan: A scan of the entire body to determine if cancer has spread elsewhere in your body. PET scans can sometimes detect disease before it shows up on other imaging tests.

The evidence-based treatment plan your doctors choose is based on a number of factors: type of cancer, grade and stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your treatment preferences.

Surgery

Surgery is used to remove cancerous tissue from the body. Your surgeon will determine which approach is most appropriate, depending on the exact type and stage of the cancer. The typical surgical options include: 

• traditional open surgery
• minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which involves the use of small cameras and thin instruments for smaller incisions and quicker recovery time.
• minimally-invasive da Vinci® Robot-Assisted surgery

Medical Oncology 

Chemotherapy for gynecologic cancers involves the use of medications to shrink or kill cancerous cells. These medications may be taken intravenously (IV) or as pills.

The board-certified medical oncologists, nurses, and technicians at Connecticut Oncology Group provide the most effective, advanced care with warm, personal attention and support for patients and their families. Your medical oncology team will work closely with your other providers and help provide access to clinical trials.

Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncology is the highly-controlled use of radiation to cure or treat symptoms of your cancer.

Learn more about radiation therapy options at Middlesex