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Ovarian Cancer Surgery
Ovarian cancer is a cancer of the ovaries. It occurs as a result of a growth of abnormal cells that multiply to form a tumor. Treatment is therefore necessary to stop the cancer from spreading further by surgical removal of the ovaries and the uterus. Epithelial ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal cancer, cancer of the fallopian tube, stromal tumors and germ cell tumors are a few types of ovarian cancers.
Ovarian cancer may or may not present with symptoms.
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and difficulty eating
- Bloating and pain
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Vaginal bleeding
- Indigestion and constipation
- Fatigue and heartburn
- Pain and bleeding during or after sexual intercourse
- Back pain
- Frequent urination and increased urge to urinate
- Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) - it is an imaging technique which uses sound waves to detect abnormalities like tumors in the reproductive organs.
- Blood tests- blood tests for the cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), a biomarker.
- Biopsy- tissue samples from the ovary are taken for diagnostic purposes. Cancer is detected by placing these samples under a microscope and examining them. Biopsies help in determining whether a tumor is benign or cancerous. It is also the only way to confirm cancer with utmost surety.
- Other imaging tests such as abdominal CT scan and MRI
The treatment for ovarian cancer is to surgically remove the ovary, fallopian tubes or uterus based on the type of cancer present and the extent to which the cancer has spread. The first step before a surgery can take place is known as staging. This process helps determine the extent to which the cancer has spread and to determine how much of the uterus needs to be removed. Usually in epithelial ovarian cancers, the entire uterus is removed. This is known as a hysterectomy. A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) may also be performed, which involves removing both the ovaries and fallopian tubes. An omentectomy (removal of the omentum) along with nearby tissue and lymph nodes may also be required. In certain cases, where complete removal is not possible, a procedure called debulking may be performed. The goal of debulking is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, while leaving behind tumors not more than one cm large. In cancers such as an ovarian stromal tumor, only one ovary is usually affected, and therefore only the affected ovary may be removed if the cancer has not metastasized.
The risks and complications associated with ovarian cancer are similar to those of any other major surgery. Infection at the site of the incision, scarring, excessive pain or excessive bleeding, difficulties with bladder and bowel function are some of the problems the patient may face.
Follow-up appointments with the doctor along with a few tests such as blood tests and X-rays maybe required to look for signs of cancer or to identify any other problems post treatment and surgery.
Ovarian Cancer Surgery Cost from trusted Hospitals in Chennai
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Ovarian Cancer Surgery
Ovarian cancer is a cancer of the ovaries. It occurs as a result of a growth of abnormal cells that multiply to form a tumor. Treatment is therefore necessary to stop the cancer from spreading further by surgical removal of the ovaries and the uterus. Epithelial ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal cancer, cancer of the fallopian tube, stromal tumors and germ cell tumors are a few types of ovarian cancers.
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer may or may not present with symptoms.
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and difficulty eating
- Bloating and pain
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Vaginal bleeding
- Indigestion and constipation
- Fatigue and heartburn
- Pain and bleeding during or after sexual intercourse
- Back pain
- Frequent urination and increased urge to urinate
Diagnosis
- Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) - it is an imaging technique which uses sound waves to detect abnormalities like tumors in the reproductive organs.
- Blood tests- blood tests for the cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), a biomarker.
- Biopsy- tissue samples from the ovary are taken for diagnostic purposes. Cancer is detected by placing these samples under a microscope and examining them. Biopsies help in determining whether a tumor is benign or cancerous. It is also the only way to confirm cancer with utmost surety.
- Other imaging tests such as abdominal CT scan and MRI
Treatment
The treatment for ovarian cancer is to surgically remove the ovary, fallopian tubes or uterus based on the type of cancer present and the extent to which the cancer has spread. The first step before a surgery can take place is known as staging. This process helps determine the extent to which the cancer has spread and to determine how much of the uterus needs to be removed. Usually in epithelial ovarian cancers, the entire uterus is removed. This is known as a hysterectomy. A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) may also be performed, which involves removing both the ovaries and fallopian tubes. An omentectomy (removal of the omentum) along with nearby tissue and lymph nodes may also be required. In certain cases, where complete removal is not possible, a procedure called debulking may be performed. The goal of debulking is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, while leaving behind tumors not more than one cm large. In cancers such as an ovarian stromal tumor, only one ovary is usually affected, and therefore only the affected ovary may be removed if the cancer has not metastasized.
Risks
The risks and complications associated with ovarian cancer are similar to those of any other major surgery. Infection at the site of the incision, scarring, excessive pain or excessive bleeding, difficulties with bladder and bowel function are some of the problems the patient may face.
After Procedure
Follow-up appointments with the doctor along with a few tests such as blood tests and X-rays maybe required to look for signs of cancer or to identify any other problems post treatment and surgery.
FAQ Section
Ovarian Cancer Surgery is a surgical procedure performed for the treatment and removal of a malignant tumour or any cancerous cells from either of the ovaries or both. This surgery is also performed to prevent the possibility of ovarian cancer, arising due to genetic mutations or a family history of ovarian cancer.
The ultimate goal of this surgery is to locate and remove all visible signs of cancer through a process called debulking. Ovarian Cancer Surgery is combined with chemotherapy to prevent recurrence of cancer. Your gynaecological oncologist will suggest the best treatment for you based on the type and stage of cancer.
An Ovarian Cancer Surgery is performed for the initial management of tumour a specimen sample of the cancer is obtained to confirm the disease, and then based on the analysis, the approach of treatment to be followed is determined. The sole purpose is to provide localized treatment for the mitigation of cancer in the ovary.
An Ovarian Cancer Surgery is performed for the following:
- removal of both the ovaries and the womb
- removal of the affected ovary and fallopian tube
- reduction of cancer to the maximum extent, known as debulking.
The most common risk factor associated with this surgery is infertility, i.e. the woman might not be able to conceive after this procedure. However, this limitation can be modified by consulting with your oncologist based on your type and stage of cancer. Other complications that arise due to this procedure are fatigue, menopause, bowel changes, fluid build-up, lyphoedema, and depression.
Studies have proved that with the ease in availability of low-cost cancer treatment and the availability of advanced technological diagnostic tools and personnel, up to ninety percent of women can fully recover from ovarian cancer through surgery alone or a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
The most appropriate time to undergo Ovarian Cancer Surgery is at the earliest stage, as there is the maximum possibility of recovery when operated at this stage. For women whose family have a history of ovarian cancer, surgery to prevent the risk of ovarian cancer is an apt way to undergo this procedure.
Ovarian Cancer Surgery is the primary treatment for Ovarian Cancer. It enables the detection of a tumour and its spread and helps to determine the treatment process. Surgery, in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy help in mitigation of the cancerous cells.
Prior to your Ovarian Cancer Surgery, your oncologist will prescribe you few tests in order to determine the treatment approach and they include the following:
Physical examination of the pelvis to feel the presence of any lumps.
- CA 125 Blood Test – This is the most common ovarian cancer tumour marker. But, it can be affected due to various other factors like ovulation, menstruation, liver and kidney diseases etc.
- Pelvic, abdominal, trans-vaginal ultrasound
- CT Scan, PET Scan
- Colonoscopy
Ovarian Cancer is a surgically staged process. Your gynaecologist will recommend you the best type of approach to go about for your condition. Ovarian Cancer Surgery is usually performed as laparoscopy or laparotomy.
Laparoscopy is done to detect the presence of cancer and the extent of the spread of cancer through three to four small incisions. Laparotomy is conducted for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. If a cancer is detected through these techniques, after analysis of the biopsy samples, then the surgery proceeds in the following ways, based on the type of a tumour:
- Total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy – removal of the uterus and cervix, along with both fallopian tubes and ovaries.
- Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy – removal of only one ovary and fallopian tube, if detected at an earlier stage, for women who still wish to have kids.
- Omentectomy- removal of cancer in the omentum.
- Lymphadenectomy – when cancer spreads from the ovaries to the nearby lymph nodes.
- Colectomy – If cancer spreads to the bowel.
These surgeries are later combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy to reduce the size of the tumour and to prevent the recurrence of cancer.
The surgery may last up to two to three hours depending on the type of cancer and procedure being operated. However, the entire treatment may last for a duration of about four to six weeks of intense treatment.
The components used in the Ovarian Cancer Surgery are the basic surgical tools required for the procedure and any other additional requirements suiting your case.
It is normal to experience some amount of pain after the operation due to the incision, but this can be monitored with the help of medicines, drips, or local anaesthetics. Patients are given a patient-controlled-analgesia (PCA) system to help the doctors and nurses monitor the pain, enabling a speedy recovery.
Recovery from Ovarian Cancer Surgery will take about four to eight weeks after the surgery and this process can be enhanced with proper care, medications and following the doctor’s instructions carefully.
The patient can resume normal day-to-day activities at a slow pace, with ample rest and the right diet. The patient should not involve in any heavy impact activities like lifting weights or activities involving bending etc. Driving and swimming must be avoided for a few weeks. Short walks and mild exercises are recommended thus helping in speeding up the recovery process.
India boasts of availability of a low cost and highly efficient cancer treatment programs in the best of its cancer treatment centres. There are several insurance policies and packages available at a nominal cost of around three lakhs.
Yes, a huge population of ovarian cancer patients across the world choose India to undergo their treatment due to the availability of efficient doctors, top class amenities, and highly advanced diagnostic tools and equipment, which are not readily available in all the cancer treatment centres. These centres cater to your needs and determine the course of treatment specific to your condition.
This choice is dependent on several factors like the availability of doctors, financial condition, physical fitness and mental stability of the patient, and type and stage of cancer. India has some of the finest hospitals with highly efficient doctors for the treatment of ovarian cancer.