Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer

Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that forms inside of the ovaries. It is most common in women who are over the age of 50. It is common for women who have ovarian cancer to not have any symptoms at all. However, women who are in the latter stages of ovarian cancer may have weight loss, discomfort in the pelvic area, a feeling of fullness after eating abdominal bloating.
Ovarian cancer can spread to other parts of the body. The good news is that there are several options if you need ovarian cancer therapy:

1. Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy involves injecting drugs directly into the cancerous cells. They also block certain particles that can cause cancerous cells to grow. Avastin is one of the targeted therapy drugs that you can use. There are several benefits that you can reap from getting ovarian cancer treatment with Avastin. It has the ability to treat cancers that have spread to other parts of the body. It can also be used as a maintenance treatment in order to prevent the cancer from coming back.

2. Surgery

Surgery is one of the most commonly used treatments for ovarian cancer. The doctor may surgically remove one or both ovaries. They may also remove the uterus if the cancer has spread. Often, the most recommended surgery for ovarian cancer is a total hysterectomy, in which the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed, as well as omentum (or fatty tissue). If cancer has spread throughout the abdomen, debulking surgery is often recommended to remove all signs of visible cancer and tumors.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to destroy the cancerous cells. It is often used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Doctors may also recommend chemotherapy in order to ensure that the cancer does not come back.

4. Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy involves using hormones in order to fight off cancer. It may also involve the use of hormone-blocking drugs. Luteinizing-hormone releasing agonists are some of the drugs that can be used. They work by lowering the estrogen levels. These drugs are effective, but they are not recommended for long-term use. Long-term use of these drugs has a tendency to weaken the bones. Tamoxifen is another drug that can be used. It is usually recommended for breast cancer, but it can also be used for ovarian cancer. Tamoxifen has anti-estrogen effects. It can increase the risk of blood clots. Furthermore, aromatase inhibitors can be used for hormone therapy. They can lower estrogen levels. Bone thinning is one of the possible side effects. This can increase your risk of breaking a bone. It can also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.

5. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a treatment that involves using x-rays to kill the cancer. There are several reasons that radiation therapy may be recommended. It may be recommended before surgery in order to shrink the cells. It may also be used if the cancer has spread. Additionally, doctors may recommend radiation therapy after surgery in order to ensure that the cancerous cells are gone.