{"id":1152410,"date":"2024-10-10T08:37:21","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T12:37:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/?post_type=service&p=1152410"},"modified":"2024-10-10T09:25:24","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T13:25:24","slug":"treatments","status":"publish","type":"service","link":"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/cancer-care\/services\/ovarian-cancer\/treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"Ovarian Cancer Treatment Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ovarian cancer<\/a> treatment options depend on how far your cancer has progressed \u2014 the stage \u2014 and the nature, or grade, of tumor cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common form of the disease. It is characterized by cancer cells developing in the exterior lining of the ovary, or epithelia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first approach for treatment in nearly all instances of epithelial ovarian cancer is surgical removal of one or both ovaries and tumors. If the cancer has spread to other organs, surgery would be more aggressive. After surgery, the next course of treatment is typically chemotherapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The regimen of surgery and chemotherapy erases evidence of cancer in imaging scans and blood tests about 80% of the time. Sometimes more aggressive measures are needed to achieve a full response to treatment or address any recurrence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The outlook for recovery depends on the type of ovarian cancer, how far it\u2019s progressed and the effectiveness of treatment. In cases when diagnosis is made before any cancer cells spread to nearby tissue, about 92% of patients survive five years and longer. Overall, the five-year survival rate for epithelial ovarian cancer is about 51%.<\/p>\n\n\n

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At the Forefront of Ovarian Cancer Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Norton Cancer Institute<\/a> uses advanced testing options to help your specialist determine a care plan and tailor it for you. Our gynecologic specialists will coordinate your care with surgical oncologists, medical oncologists and, if appropriate, radiation oncologists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norton Cancer Institute gynecologic oncologists<\/a> are also researchers. As principal investigators in a number of clinical trials<\/a> that could offer innovative approaches, they can provide patients easier access to appropriate trials. Once experimental treatments are approved for wide use, Norton Cancer Institute oncologists often have years of experience with the therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Norton Cancer Institute Genomics Lab<\/a> is a state-of-the art facility providing fast access to information about your specific cancer. The genomic testing guides development of advanced treatments that target the precise genetic composition of your cancer. Because speed is essential in cancer treatment, the genomics lab is part of Norton Cancer Institute, saving time that\u2019s lost when working with outside laboratories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norton Cancer Institute patient navigators<\/a> help ease stress and offer emotional support to patients and families. From the point of a suspicious finding through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship, patient navigators help with emotional support, arranging appointments, connecting with resources and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What to Expect at Norton Cancer Institute Women\u2019s Cancer Center<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve been referred to gynecologic oncology at Norton Cancer Institute with a diagnosis, a member of the team will contact you to make an appointment at Norton Cancer Institute Women\u2019s Cancer Center<\/a> in downtown Louisville. If your records aren\u2019t already in your free Norton MyChart<\/a> account, the team will contact the referring physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your appointment will be with the first available physician. You\u2019ll also meet the nurse practitioner, nurse clinician and a patient navigator who will help you through treatment and survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At your first appointment, your oncologist will review your records and history, including the symptoms that led to the diagnosis. There will be a pelvic exam and a review of the care plan, including any additional imaging, a date for surgery and the plan for any chemotherapy and immunotherapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The date for surgery will be within a couple weeks of your first appointment. Depending on your diagnosis, chemotherapy and immunotherapy may start in about a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll have surgery scheduled before you leave your first appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early Stage Ovarian Cancer Treatments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At Stage 1, or early stage ovarian cancer, the cancer cells are limited to one or both ovaries and possibly one or both fallopian tubes. Symptoms such as bloating or feeling full after not eating much can be attributed to far less serious conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for early ovarian cancer starts with surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. In some cases when just one ovary is diseased, fertility can be preserved by retaining the healthy ovary and fallopian tube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your condition, several types of surgery could be pursued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n