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Ovarian Cancer Care in NJ, CT, & MD
One of several gynecologic cancers, ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or – rarely – in a membrane lining the abdominal cavity called the peritoneum. Cancer occurs when genetically mutated cells grow uncontrollably. As those cells grow, they can form tumors and eventually place pressure on normal tissue and impair physical function, causing pain and illness. At Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), our team of highly experienced oncologists and hematologists provide comprehensive treatment for patients in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area who have various types of cancer, including ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer: What Women Need to Know
Approximately 21,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. While the majority of these women are over the age of 40, those age 60 and older are at elevated risk. There is a higher mortality rate with ovarian cancer compared to other gynecological cancers, and it is the eighth most common cancer reported in women.
There are three main types of ovarian cancer, which are classified by the types of cells in which the cancer starts to grow:
- Epithelial tumors: Begin in cells that cover the surface of the ovaries
- Germ cell tumors: Begin in cells that produce eggs, or ova
- Stromal tumors: Begin in cells that produce female hormones
Women should stay informed about ovarian cancer and its symptoms. Early detection and treatment are key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Women should inform their healthcare providers about any family history of ovarian cancer or other types of cancer, have regular medical checkups, and discuss any physical changes, symptoms, and concerns with a primary care provider, Ob/Gyn, or other clinician.
Ovarian Cancer: What are the Risk Factors?
There are a few known ovarian cancer risk factors, but other determinants of risk for the disease remain unclear. Characteristics that increase the risk for ovarian cancer include:
- Age
- Obesity
- Family history of ovarian or other cancers
- Use of some fertility medications, particularly for extended periods of time
- Experiencing a first full-term pregnancy after age 35
- Receiving hormone therapy after menopause
Other factors may lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer. These factors include experiencing full-term pregnancy before the age of 26, having undergone a hysterectomy or tubal ligation, and taking birth control pills.
Some Ovarian Cancers Can be Found Early
Ovarian cancer is not detected with a single initial test. Rather, physicians rely on a combination of screening methods and assessments to identify potential cases of ovarian cancer and then conduct further evaluations based on their findings. Screening tests include:
- Physical examination: Visiting a primary care doctor or gynecologic health provider on a regular basis and when symptoms develop can enable early detection of ovarian cancer.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: This technology utilizes sound waves to examine the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
- CA-125 blood test: This screening test measures a protein level in the blood associated with ovarian cancer. However, it tends to be more useful in monitoring the course of already diagnosed ovarian cancer than in identifying the disease initially.
As with other cancer types, early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer are key to achieving better outcomes. The five-year survival rate for those diagnosed with localized ovarian cancer (when cancerous growth has not extended outside the ovaries) is 93%. This percentage falls to 31% if cancer reaches distant organs.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
While symptoms are not always present with ovarian cancer, particularly in its earlier stages, women experiencing any of the following should make an appointment with a medical professional promptly:
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Pain in the pelvis or belly area, or during sex
- Feeling full quickly, or having trouble eating
- More frequent urination
It is important to note that these symptoms may reflect a wide variety of conditions beyond ovarian cancer and that most women who, for instance, experience bloating or abdominal discomfort, will not have ovarian cancer. However, whatever their cause, these symptoms warrant timely evaluation and intervention, both to identify and treat serious conditions and to enhance quality of life.
Stages of Ovarian Cancer
A diagnosis of ovarian cancer usually requires a physical examination, imaging, and tissue biopsy. When determining the stages of ovarian cancer, doctors assign one of four stages to the disease. t Utilizing this framework, the oncology medical team draws on the latest research to determine which treatments are most likely to be effective.
Main Treatments for Ovarian Cancer
Once the oncologists of Regional Cancer Care Associates determine the type and stage of ovarian cancer, they will recommend a personalized plan for ovarian cancer treatment. Multiple treatment methods may be used at the same time. The most common treatment options are:
- Surgery: Removes cancerous cells and tumors
- Chemotherapy: Involves administering drugs to shrink and kill cancer cells
- Radiation therapy: Utilizes high-energy external beam radiation to shrink or eradicate cancerous growths and cells
- Targeted therapy: Uses drugs that directly target specific mutations in cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells intact
- Hormonal therapy: Used in certain types of ovarian cancer to prevent estrogen from stimulating the growth of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: This agent harness the power of the body’s own immune system to identify and attack cancerous cells.
Coping and Support
Women with ovarian cancer may benefit from seeking support from loved ones and others. People and groups to rely on for coping with an ovarian cancer diagnosis include:
- Family and friends: Reach out to family and friends for emotional support and help with daily activities, if necessary.
- Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals: A patient’s primary care provider, Ob/Gyn, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, or nurse can provide information on support groups, educate her on her diagnosis and treatment, and provide guidance on managing symptoms.
- Community groups: Help is available from the American Cancer Society and other organizations.
Besides ovarian cancer treatment, Regional Cancer Care Associates also offers resources for side effects management and similar guidance.
Find Compassionate, Expert Treatments for Ovarian Cancer
For patients who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the caring oncologists and other medical professionals at Regional Cancer Care Associates are available to determine the best course of treatment and implement a personalized treatment plan. This experienced, compassionate team has the skills necessary to treat various cancer types and blood disorders. For more information on ovarian cancer and treatment options, contact us or visit one of our 25 convenient office locations throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area.
Regional Cancer Care Associates — Cancer care you can trust
At Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), we feature the best of modern oncologic medicine. We meet the highest standard of cancer care in both quality and safety. At the same time, we lead with our hearts, offering an environment characterized by compassion. We focus on you, individually, and work with you and your family to ensure your care is second to none.
For more information, please call (844) 346-7222. You can schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
Physicians SPECIALIZED IN Ovarian Cancer
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