Ovarian Cancer Treatment 2011

There are a variety of ovarian cancer treatment methods. Treatment will vary from patient to patient depending upon these factors:

general health of the patient

the type of ovarian cancer

the stage of the ovarian cancer

Once this factors have been determined, an ovarian cancer treatment plan can be organized. Once a doctor recommends treatment, a second opinion may be required by the patient's insurance company. This is standard procedure for most companies. Many times the patient will request a second opinion.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment Methods

Many times, several different types of treatment will be used to treat ovarian cancer. For example, a patient may have surgery, then pelvic radiation therapy. This is not uncommon.

Surgrey

Surgery is a common ovarian cancer treatment method. In fact, it is one of the main ways to treat the disease. Types of surgery performed to conform and treat ovarian cancer are:

Total Hysterectomy A total hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and the cervix. The cervix and uterus can be removed through a small abdominal incision or through the vagina.

Unilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy A unilateral salpngo-oophorectomy is type of surgery that removes one ovary and one fallopian tube.

Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy A bilateral salpingp-oophorectomy is a procedure to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.

Omentectomy A omenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the omentum. The omentum is piece of tissue that lines the abdominal wall.

Lymph Node BiopsyA lymph node biopsy is the removal of all or part of the lymph nodes to be examined by a pathologist.

Debulking SurgeryDebulking is the surgical removal of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tube, and the omentum. Ovarian cancer commonly occurs in these areas.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs that either kill cancer cells or preventing the cells from dividing. Chemotherapy can be given in a variety of ways, with IV infusion and pill being more common. The type of chemotherapy given depends on the stage and type of ovarian cancer.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is the use of certain types of energy, radiation is used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This energy can be waves or particles like protons, electrons, x-rays and gamma rays. Radiation can be given internally or externally. The type of radiation given depends on the stage and type of ovarian cancer.