Ovarian Cancer Treatment: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Diagnosing ovarian cancer involves several tests and procedures:

1. Pelvic Exam: In a pelvic exam, your doctor uses gloved fingers to feel your pelvic organs by inserting them into your vagina while simultaneously pressing on your abdomen. This allows for the palpation and visual examination of your external genitalia, vagina, and cervix.
2. Imaging Tests: Procedures like ultrasound or CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis are employed to assess the size, shape, and structure of the ovaries. These imaging tests provide valuable information about the presence and characteristics of any abnormalities.
3. Blood Tests: Blood tests, including organ function tests, are conducted to assess your overall health. These tests may provide insights into the functioning of various organs and contribute to the diagnostic process for ovarian cancer

Depending on the type, stage, grade of ovarian cancer, and general health of the patient, the oncologist will devise the best treatment plan for the patient. However, a patient’s expectations and desires play a major role in selecting the treatment plan. For example, some patients may desire childbirth in the future, while others could be okay with having their uterus. the Fallopian tubes and ovaries removed.

The following are some of the ovarian cancer treatment strategies:

Surgery: Surgery is often the first and the best treatment for ovarian cancer. Surgical removal of the cancer is done in a vast majority of ovarian cancer patients. The type of surgery opted for depends upon how widespread the cancer is when it is diagnosed.

There are different surgical procedures to get rid of ovarian cancer, such as unilateral oophorectomy (removal of one ovary) or bilateral oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries), salpingectomy (removal of Fallopian tubes), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), and omentectomy (removal of momentum).

Typically, the organ in question is fully removed in all these procedures. In some of the advanced cancers, complete removal of the cancer cells is not possible. In such cases, the possible amount of tumor is removed in a procedure called debulking surgery.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs interfere with the cell division process and damage the DNA of the cancer cells to reduce their number and stop them from growing any further. Patients will often benefit greatly from its use in the case of ovarian cancer because ovarian cancer patients can tolerate it better because of fewer chemotherapy side effects.

In the case of ovarian cancer treatment, chemotherapy drugs can be given into the vein intravenously (IV) or placed directly into the abdomen (IP).

In some cases, chemotherapy may be performed first, followed by surgery. This is called neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Common chemotherapy drugs used to treat ovarian cancer include paclitaxel, cisplatin, topotecan, doxorubicin, epirubicin, and gemcitabine.

Drugs used in chemotherapy travel throughout the body and can also kill a few normal cells in the body, leading to unpleasant side effects. So, chemotherapy should be followed only if the patient can cope with it. Chemotherapy can cause anemia and leucopenia, besides vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, hair loss, and fatigue.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or proton beams to destroy the tumors of ovarian cancer. This can be given as palliative therapy, or as adjuvant therapy combined with surgery or chemotherapy. However, radiation therapy alone does not improve the survival rate in people with well-differentiated cancers. Common side effects of radiotherapy treatment are diarrhea, constipation, and frequent urination.

Hormone therapy: Although estrogen alone does not have any effect on cancer, cutting off a supply of estrogen slows the growth of cancer cells. Hormone therapy can prevent estrogen from reaching the cancer cells, thus suppressing the growth of cancer.

Targeted drug therapy: Newer medications are being developed that can target cancer cells directly, but till now this treatment only helps reduce damage to the normal cells and subsidizes the side effects of chemotherapy.

The journey of recovery following ovarian cancer treatment can be both physically and emotionally challenging, particularly for those who have undergone a complete removal of ovaries and uterus. The abrupt onset of menopause can bring about various side effects, and adapting to life after ovarian cancer treatment may pose difficulties.

For individuals who have undergone surgery as part of their treatment plan, resuming activities such as driving after a month is generally feasible, but it is crucial to consult with the doctor at each stage before making any significant decisions.

Some women may experience challenges in focusing on daily tasks post-treatment. The impact of multiple cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy can contribute to a slower recovery. Adequate fluid intake becomes essential to aid in the recovery process and minimize the side effects of these treatments. Additionally, maintaining a well-balanced diet is equally crucial during the recovery period. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals and adopting a holistic approach can help women navigate the recovery journey with greater ease and resilience.