Which type of chemotherapy will depend on the stage of the cancer, the grade, and the patient’s wishes will be discussed during the consultation. The surgery usually involves removing both ovaries, fallopian tubes, womb, and a layer of fatty tissue. Some lymph nodes are also removed and a biopsy is performed to determine the stage of cancer and how best to treat it.
A pathologist will review the specimen in order to determine the cancer’s type, subtype, grade, and invasion of the surrounding tissues. After the tissue is examined, the pathologist will make a final diagnosis. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be present or may disappear. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should consult your physician immediately. Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound or an MRI if you are concerned.
The cancer grade refers to how much the cancer cells resemble the normal cells. The cells of the body become specialized for their role and placement. The cancer cells are not the same as the normal cells, but sometimes they look similar to them. The cancers that are well differentiated are called low grade whereas the cancers that are undifferentiated are known as high grade. Despite the differences between these grades, the two types of ovarian cancer will generally show higher growth rates than the others.
Whether your ovarian cancer is stage 1 or stage two, you should be confident in seeking treatment. There are many resources available online to help you cope with the disease. The American Cancer Society offers helpful coping checklists for patients and caregivers. Similarly, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition offers online resources for women affected by ovarian cancer. Cancer research is an important part of treatment, so you’ll want to access information and support as much as possible.
Patients suffering from ovarian cancer should expect to undergo surgery to remove the affected ovary. In addition, the surgery may remove other parts of the reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes and the uterus. Sometimes, radiation therapy is used, and this can destroy cancer cells in the uterus. These treatments can be difficult and stressful, but if you’re determined to continue with your child’s treatment, you’ll be able to make a healthy choice.
The survival rate for women with ovarian cancer depends on the stage of the disease. If detected early, most women will survive at least five years. If detected later, however, the prognosis is much worse. Fortunately, IP chemotherapy is helping to extend the survival time of women with ovarian cancer, and many ovarian cancer patients are cured. In addition, women who develop recurrent cancer will benefit from treatment.
The most important factor in determining whether or not a woman will develop ovarian cancer is her age. If her disease is caught at an early age, a woman may not need an entire operation. This is because germ cell ovarian tumors have favorable characteristics under a microscope. Hence, a woman with a germ cell tumor will be able to keep her ability to have children. However, if her disease is later stage, she will need surgery that removes her uterus and other reproductive tubes.
