Ovarian & Uterine Cancer
Malignant tumors arising in the ovary or uterus, which in selected cases may require advanced surgery within a multidisciplinary team.
Overview
Ovarian and uterine tumors may be discovered at early or advanced stages, and advanced cases may involve spread to the peritoneum, sometimes requiring coordination between gynecologic oncology and peritoneal surgical oncology.
Treatment depends on the tumor's type and stage, and may include surgery and chemotherapy, within a plan developed by a multidisciplinary medical team.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent or increasing abdominal bloating
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Feeling full quickly or changes in appetite
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Changes in urinary or bowel habits
- Unexplained general fatigue
Causes & Risk Factors
- Family history of ovarian, breast, or uterine cancer
- Certain genetic mutations (such as BRCA)
- Advancing age and menopause
- Nulliparity or late childbearing
- Certain chronic hormonal conditions
How It Is Diagnosed
- Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound imaging
- CT or MRI imaging to assess the extent of spread
- Blood tests including gynecologic tumor markers
- Biopsy or diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis
- Discussion of the case within a multidisciplinary team including gynecologic oncologists
When to See a Doctor
- With persistent abdominal bloating that does not improve
- With unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause
- With persistent, unexplained pelvic pain
Available Treatment Options
- Chemotherapy before or after surgery depending on disease stage
- Surgery to remove the tumor and affected organs
- Cytoreductive surgery with or without HIPEC in selected cases of peritoneal spread
When Surgery May Be Considered
- As a core part of the treatment plan following comprehensive evaluation by the gynecologic and surgical oncology team
- When safe resection of the tumor and affected tissue is determined to be feasible
General Recovery Information
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of surgery
Combined follow-up between surgery and medical oncology is an essential part of the treatment journey
Potential Complications
- Bleeding or infection at the surgical site
- Temporary digestive or urinary complications depending on the extent of surgery
When Urgent Medical Evaluation Is Needed
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Sudden, severe pelvic pain
- Acute abdominal distension with breathing difficulty
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might a general surgical oncologist be involved in ovarian cancer treatment?
In cases where the tumor has spread to the peritoneum, a surgeon specialized in peritoneal malignancies may join the gynecologic oncologist as part of a unified team to assess the feasibility of comprehensive cytoreductive surgery.
Related Conditions
Related Procedures
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical evaluation.