Ovarian Cancer

The female reproductive system contains two ovaries, each about the size of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones. Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries. Early-stage cancer that is confined to the ovaries is more easily treated than if it has spread to the pelvis and abdomen.

Types of ovarian cancer include:

  • Epithelial tumors — Cancer that forms from the cells covering the outside of the ovaries.

  • Germ cell tumors — Cancer that forms from cells that create the eggs.

  • Stromal tumors — A rare cancer that develops in the tissue that holds the ovary together.

Causes of Ovarian Cancer

The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but the risk of developing the disease is higher if you have any of the known risk factors.

Risks Factors for Ovarian Cancer

Approximately 10 to 15% of people who get ovarian cancer have a specific mutation in their DNA that increases their risk of getting ovarian cancer. Our hereditary cancer program can provide important information that allows us to identify cancer early, when it is most treatable, and plan your treatment.

Ovarian cancer can be associated with the following risk factors:

  • Age.
  • Family history of ovarian cancer.
  • Inherited gene mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2.
  • Long-term use of estrogen hormone replacement.
  • Menstruation beginning at an early age.
Doctor consulting woman patient

Make an appointment

For more information, please contact your oncologist or the Cancer Care Center at (859) 301-2237, option 2.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer often has no symptoms. If it has spread, symptoms include:

  • Abdominal bloating or swelling.
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation.
  • Discomfort in the pelvis area.
  • Feeling full after eating a small amount.
  • Frequent need to urinate.
  • Unexpected weight loss.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

If your doctor suspects that you have ovarian cancer, they may run tests to determine the stage of cancer to develop the best treatment plan. These tests include:

  • Blood tests to check genetic makeup and blood markers.
  • CT scan.
  • Exploratory surgery.
  • MRI.
  • PET/CT scan.
  • Pelvic exam.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, we can provide a second opinion and present treatment options.

Treating Ovarian Cancer

At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we believe in caring for you, not just treating your cancer. Our holistic approach means we combine cancer treatment with working to minimize side effects and help you manage them. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible while we use innovative approaches to treat your cancer.

Your treatment plan for ovarian cancer usually begins with surgery. We have expertise in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Our surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating gynecologic cancers.

Depending on the stage of your cancer and whether it has spread, your treatment may include:

  • Chemotherapy — Therapy that uses drugs injected through IV, taken by mouth or applied on the skin to attack and kill cancer cells.

  • Clinical trials — Innovative drug and genetic therapies used to treat Ovarian cancers.

  • Immunotherapy — Medication therapy that stimulates your own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

  • Interventional radiation procedures — Nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedures to kill or shrink tumors. We use radiofrequency ablation and embolization to destroy small tumors without surgery and chemoembolization to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor.
  • Radiation therapy — Therapy that uses high-energy radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.
  • Surgery — A procedure to remove cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
  • Precision medicine — Medication therapy that uses your DNA to specifically target the cells that lead to cancer and stop cancer from forming and spreading.

  • Supportive care — Helping you coordinate appointments and treating the side effects of your cancer or cancer treatment.

Preventing Ovarian Cancer

There is no way to prevent ovarian cancer, but you can lower your risk by:

  • Breastfeeding.
  • Giving birth.
  • Having your ovaries removed.

Your Cancer Care Team

Cancer Research Physicians

The team includes medical oncologists specializing in immunotherapy and precision medicine, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, thoracic surgeons, pain management specialists, genetic counselors, pathologists, nutritionists, pharmacists, nurses and support staff. They work together to create a treatment plan that’s just right for you.

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