Ovarian Cancer - Treatment

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Highlights	Prognosis	Resources
Introduction	Treatment	References
Risk Factors and Prevention	Surgery	References
Symptoms	Chemotherapy
Diagnosis	Radiation Therapy

If surgical staging reveals that the cancer has invaded the bowel, a portion of the intestine may have to be removed as well.

Treating Menopausal Symptoms and Premature Menopause. The ovaries produce estrogen. Removing the ovaries results in menopause. After removal of the ovaries, premenopausal women usually have hot flashes, a symptom of menopause. Symptoms come on abruptly and may be more intense than those of natural menopause. Symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness and irritation, and insomnia. A significant number of women gain weight.

The most important complications that occur in women who have had their ovaries removed are due to estrogen loss, which places women at risk for osteoporosis (loss of bone density) and a possible increase in risks for heart disease. In the past, women were typically prescribed estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after surgery if their ovaries were removed. There have been concerns however about health risks, including the risk for breast cancer and stroke, which have now limited its use.

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The decision to use estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) depends in part on a woman's age as well as other medical factors. For younger women (in their 20s, 30s, or 40s), the benefits of ERT for bone and heart health may outweigh the risks. For women closer to the age of menopause, risks may outweigh benefits. Women who have had an oopherectomy should discuss with their doctors whether ERT is appropriate for them.

[For more information on hysterectomy, see In-Depth Report #73: Uterine fibroids and hysterectomy. For information on hormone replacement therapy, see In-Depth Report #40: Menopause.]

Surgery for Bowel Obstruction

Bowel obstruction is common in ovarian cancer. Surgery can be very helpful for select patients with this problem.

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Review Date: 11/04/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).