Based on the stage of ovarian cancer, a surgeon will determine what treatment is necessary for each patient. There are four stages of ovarian cancer. To determine the stage, or progression, of the cancer, a doctor biopsies the cancerous tissue.
Stage I
When cancer is found on only one or both ovaries, treatment may include surgical removal of abdominal tissue, a hysterectomy, removal of and the fallopian tubes, and biopsy of lymph nodes and the pelvis. The woman will receive (when two agents are used) if the cancer cells are high grade.
Stage II
If the tumor is on one or both ovaries and is suspected of spreading to the pelvis, the woman will have a hysterectomy and both ovaries will be removed. An oncologist will remove as much of the tumor as possible. The doctor will biopsy lymph nodes and tissue in the pelvis and abdomen. Patients will receive combination chemotherapy. Although rare now, radiation therapy is recommended for women who cannot tolerate chemotherapy.
Stage III
When a tumor affects either one or both ovaries and is present outside the pelvis, in the abdomen or in lymph nodes in the groin, the treatment is similar to that for stage II. Following surgery and chemotherapy, the woman may need to undergo further surgery to remove any remaining tumor and cancer cells.
Stage IV
If ovarian cancer has spread to the lungs or liver, or the doctor suspects cancerous cells are present in the chest, an oncologist will remove as much of the tumor as possible. The patient will undergo combination chemotherapy following surgery.
Complementary Therapy
Nutrition Therapy: Ovarian cancer and treatments make the body vulnerable to illnesses and infections. Nutrition therapy can help the patient fend these off.
Naturopathy: Natural, nontoxic therapies to promote healing.
Pain Management: Medicinal or physical therapy used to minimize pain and improve quality of life during cancer treatments.
Tags: , combination chemotherapy, lymph nodes, biopsy lymph, biopsy , cancer cells