Ovarian Cancer Surgery
Message from Dr. Ajay Simha
A diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be an overwhelming experience for patients and their families. Concerns about the extent of disease, treatment choices, surgery, recovery, and long-term outcomes are common.
When ovarian cancer is suspected or diagnosed, a detailed evaluation is performed to identify the type of tumour, determine its stage, assess the extent of disease, and understand whether nearby organs or tissues are involved. The patient’s overall health and individual treatment goals are also considered while developing the treatment plan.
I am Dr. Ajay Simha, Consultant Surgical Oncologist (Cancer Surgeon), and this page provides an overview of ovarian cancer, including its symptoms, evaluation, treatment options, and surgical approaches.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
The ovaries are reproductive organs located on either side of the uterus. They produce eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer occurs when cells within the ovary undergo abnormal changes and begin to multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumour.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle, particularly during the early stages, and may overlap with other abdominal or gastrointestinal conditions.
Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent abdominal bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
- Feeling full quickly while eating
- Reduced appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel habits
- Persistent constipation or diarrhoea
- Frequent urination or increased urinary urgency
- Ongoing tiredness or weakness
- Changes in menstrual pattern
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, particularly after menopause
Persistent, recurrent, or unusual symptoms should be evaluated by a specialist to determine the underlying cause and facilitate timely diagnosis when required.
Evaluation of Ovarian Cancer
A comprehensive evaluation is required to confirm the presence of an ovarian tumour, understand its characteristics, and determine the extent of disease.
A pelvic examination allows the doctor to assess the reproductive organs and identify any abnormal swelling, tenderness, or masses that may require further investigation.
CT imaging provides detailed views of the abdomen and pelvis and can help assess the size of the tumour and whether the disease has spread to nearby tissues or other areas.
MRI may be recommended in selected cases when more detailed imaging is required to characterize an ovarian mass or evaluate its relationship with surrounding structures.
Blood investigations may include tumour markers such as CA-125. These tests can provide supportive information during evaluation and may also be used to monitor certain patients during treatment and follow-up.
Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer
Treatment for ovarian cancer is individualized according to the type and stage of disease, extent of tumour spread, overall health, and response to treatment.
Surgery is a key component of treatment for many patients with ovarian cancer. The primary objective is to remove as much visible cancer as safely possible while accurately assessing the extent of disease. The extent and timing of surgery depend on the stage of cancer, tumour distribution, involvement of surrounding organs, and the patient’s overall condition.
Radiation therapy has a limited role in the routine treatment of ovarian cancer but may be considered in selected clinical situations depending on the type and extent of disease. The decision to use radiation therapy is made after considering the patient’s individual tumour characteristics and overall treatment plan.
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from multiplying. It is an important part of treatment for many ovarian cancer patients. Depending on the individual situation, chemotherapy may be given before surgery to reduce the extent of disease, after surgery to treat remaining microscopic cancer cells, or as part of treatment for advanced or recurrent disease.
Targeted therapies are designed to act on specific molecular pathways or characteristics that help cancer cells grow and survive. Selected ovarian cancer patients may be considered for targeted treatment based on tumour characteristics, genetic or molecular testing, previous treatment response, and other clinical factors.
Maintenance treatment may be considered for certain patients following an initial response to treatment. Its purpose is to help maintain disease control and, in appropriate cases, delay recurrence. The suitability of maintenance therapy depends on factors such as the type and stage of ovarian cancer, response to initial treatment, genetic or molecular findings, and the patient’s overall health.
Supportive Care
Nutritional Support
Maintaining adequate nutrition is an important part of ovarian cancer care, particularly when treatment affects appetite, digestion, or overall physical strength. Individualized nutritional support can help patients maintain their nutritional status and support recovery during surgery and other cancer treatments.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can help patients improve physical fitness before treatment and regain strength and mobility after surgery. It also supports a gradual return to normal daily activities during recovery.
Surgical Approaches for Ovarian Cancer
The choice of surgical technique depends primarily on the extent of disease, tumour characteristics, complexity of the procedure, and the patient’s overall health.
Open Surgery
Open surgery is commonly considered when ovarian cancer is extensive or when a comprehensive examination and removal of tumour deposits throughout the abdomen and pelvis are required.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
In selected patients, minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic surgery may be appropriate, particularly when the disease extent and surgical objectives allow for a minimally invasive approach.
These techniques use smaller incisions and may help reduce surgical trauma and support postoperative recovery in suitable cases.
Dr. Ajay Simha is experienced in advanced ovarian cancer surgery, including complex cytoreductive procedures and appropriate minimally invasive approaches. His treatment approach focuses on detailed surgical planning, effective tumour removal, patient safety, and supporting recovery throughout the treatment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early ovarian cancer may not always cause clear symptoms. Common symptoms include abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, digestive changes, loss of appetite, frequent urination, and unexplained weight changes.
Ovarian cancer diagnosis may involve pelvic examination, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, blood tests such as CA-125, and tissue examination when required.
Surgery is an important part of ovarian cancer treatment for many patients. However, the treatment approach depends on cancer stage, tumour characteristics, disease spread, and the patient’s overall health.
Debulking surgery is a procedure performed to remove as much visible ovarian cancer as possible. It plays an important role in the treatment of many advanced ovarian cancer cases.
In selected patients, minimally invasive surgery may be considered depending on tumour size, location, disease spread, and surgical requirements.