Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the name specific to cancer of the
ovaries
in the female reproductive system. Women are more likely to develop ovarian cancer from middle age or if they have a familial history of ovarian cancer. Symptoms can include bloating, urinary frequency, abdominal pain and changes in appetite. To diagnose ovarian cancer a GP will first perform a
pelvic exam
to gently feel for abnormalities. An
ultrasound
will generally show any tumours that may be present. If there are abnormalities in the ultrasound the patient will be referred to a
gynaecologist
for further tests including blood tests, a
CT scan
and/or
diagnostic laparoscopic surgery
. If positively diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a team of specialists will care for the patient including
gynaecological oncologists
,
gynaecological surgeons
and
radiotherapists
. Treatment of ovarian cancer normally begins with surgical removal of as much of the cancer as possible. A
hysterectomy
removes the uterus and both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Chemotherapy
after surgery will help to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Radiation oncology
is another treatment for killing cancer cells and/or improving symptoms.
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