Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also called Lynch syndrome
BRIP1, RAP51C, or RAD51D gene
There is no simple and reliable way to test for ovarian cancer in women
who do not have any signs or symptoms. The Pap test does not screen for
ovarian cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer.
However, here are steps you can take:
Pay attention to your body, and know what is normal for you.
If you notice any changes in your body that are not normal for you and
could be a sign of ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor and ask about possible
causes, such as ovarian cancer.
Ask your doctor if you should have a test, such as a rectovaginal pelvic
exam, a transvaginal ultrasound, or a CA-125 blood test if:
You have any unexplained signs or symptoms of ovarian cancer. These tests
sometimes help find or rule out ovarian cancer.
You have had breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer; or a close relative
has had ovarian cancer.
If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your doctor will discuss the
best options to treat it. This depends on several factors, including:
The stage of the cancer
The size of the tumor after surgery (debulking)
Your desire to have children
Your age and overall health
Surgery
Surgery to remove the cancerous growth is the most common method of diagnosis
and therapy for ovarian cancer. It is best performed by a qualified gynecologic
oncologist.
Most women with ovarian cancer will have surgery at some point during the
course of their disease, and each surgery has different goals.
Chemotherapy
Before treatment begins, it is important to understand how chemotherapy
works. Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer using chemicals designed
to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing. The goal of chemotherapy
is to cure cancer, shrink tumors prior to surgery or radiation therapy,
destroy cells that might have spread, or control tumor growth.
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells
and shrink tumors. Please note that this therapy is rarely used in the
treatment of ovarian cancer in the United States. It is more often used
in other parts of the body where cancer has spread.
Some women with ovarian cancer turn toward the whole body approach
of complementary therapy to enhance their fight against the disease, as
well as to relieve stress and lessen side effects, such as fatigue, pain,
and nausea.
Complementary therapies are diverse practices and products that are used
along with conventional medicine. Many women have tried and benefited
from the complementary therapies listed below. Speaking with other women,
in addition to the healthcare team, can suggest the therapies that may
be most helpful and appropriate for each woman’s lifestyle.
Clinical trials are research studies designed to find ways to improve health
and cancer care. Each study tries to answer scientific questions and to
find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer. Many women undergoing
treatment for ovarian cancer choose to participate in clinical trials.
Through participation in these trials, patients may receive access to
new therapy options that are not available to women outside the clinical
trial setting.
Understanding your diagnosis and treatment options is the first step in
fighting ovarian cancer. At Frederick Health, we’re committed to
providing you with a cancer treatment experience that is focused on you.
