Surgical Treatment for Ovarian Cancer Video – Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Michael J. Worley, Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, describes surgical treatment options for ovarian cancer.
Each year, 20,000 to 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer can start in different portions of the ovary and spread to areas within the abdominal cavity as well as other reproductive organs.
Most patients with ovarian cancer present with symptoms such as abdominal bloating, abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel habits, or a general feeling of illness. Unfortunately, these symptoms present at an advanced stage of ovarian cancer.
A combination of surgery and chemotherapy is almost always used for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer can be treated with surgery alone.
One of the biggest challenges in treating ovarian cancer has to do with the way it spreads. Ovarian cancer typically doesn’t start in a central area and spread to nearby tissues. A large number of internal organs can be affected because fragments of the tumor can spread widely throughout the abdominal cavity.
At Brigham and Women’s Hospital, gynecologic oncology surgeons work closely with surgeons who specialize in the liver, pancreas, spleen, or colon. By using a multidisciplinary approach the likelihood of a successful surgery is significantly increased.
Brigham and Women's Hospital works with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in managing ovarian cancer patients. Surgery is performed at Brigham and Women's Hospital and chemotherapy is delivered at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Ovarian cancer patients also have access to the numerous clinical trials offered through Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Learn more about gynecologic cancer care: https://www.dana-farber.org/gy....necologic-oncology-p
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