Q: What are early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?
A: Early signs of ovarian cancer include bloating or increased abdominal size, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full or difficulty eating, or change in bowel or bladder function. Most symptoms are nonspecific and can include weight loss or gain, increased exhaustion, back pain, pain during intercourse, and vaginal discharge or bleeding. It is not uncommon for a woman to be referred to a urologist or gastroenterologist before being evaluated by a gynecologist.
Q: My Ob/Gyn found an abnormality. What should I do next?
A: Assuming the abnormality is found on the ovary, a transvaginal ultrasound is the single best test for evaluating the mass characteristics. Further imaging may be ordered by the operating surgeon.
Q: How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
A: The initial diagnosis requires tissue. Although this is often obtained surgically, your doctor may recommend an image-guided needle biopsy to establish the diagnosis so that drug treatment (chemotherapy) can be given to shrink the cancer prior to a larger surgery.
Q: What types of doctors treat ovarian cancer?
A: Ovarian cancer is primarily managed by doctors specializing in gynecologic oncology. These physicians are trained in the surgical and drug treatment of this disease. The correct diagnosis and treatment from a gynecologic oncology expert is highly correlated with the best outcomes.
Q: Can I receive ovarian cancer treatment from a gynecologic oncologist in Fort Worth?
A: Yes. I see patients in Fort Worth at
UT Southwestern’s location on Magnolia Avenue.
Q: How can I reduce my risk of ovarian cancer?
A: Taking oral contraceptives is the most effective drug treatment to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Although ovarian cancer cannot be completely prevented, risk can be lowered. Certain lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and eating a nutritious diet, may indirectly lower risk. Regarding reproductive factors, pregnancy (one or more, especially before age 26) and breastfeeding both lower risk.
If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or other cancers, your doctor may recommend genetic testing. Most ovarian cancer (80%) is not thought to have a hereditary basis. Women found or suspected to have a hereditary cancer syndrome may be screened more frequently or advised to have surgery earlier in life, depending on their level of risk.
Q: What are the latest treatment options for ovarian cancer?
A: Treatment for ovarian cancer standardly involves the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are commonly given to women who are in remission in order to maintain their remission, as recurrent ovarian cancer is difficult to treat. For some patients, a type of heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy is used at the time of their initial surgery.
Brian Coats
CUH-3nd Floor-Lobby, James Wilder MD, Patient Care Website
UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center
James “Jowell” Wilder, M.D.
400 W. Magnolia Ave. 2nd Floor
Fort Worth 76104
817.288.9788
utswmed.org/gyn-cancer-FW
