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Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Key points

  • Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
  • If your doctor says that you have ovarian or fallopian tube cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist.
a woman receiving chemotherapy

Overview

If your doctor says that you have ovarian or fallopian tube cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist—a doctor who has been trained to treat gynecologic cancers, including ovarian cancer. This doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan.

Treatment options

Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

  • Surgery: An operation in which doctors cut out the cancer.
  • Chemotherapy: Use of special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both.
  • Targeted therapy: Use of drugs to block the growth and spread of cancer cells. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins. You will get tests to see if targeted therapy is right for your cancer type before this treatment is used.

Visit the National Cancer Institute for more information about ovarian cancer treatment. This site can also help you find health care services.

Which treatment is right for me?

Talk to your cancer doctor about the treatment options available for your type and stage of cancer. Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and their side effects. Side effects are how your body reacts to drugs or other treatments.

Sometimes people get an opinion from more than one cancer doctor. This is called a "second opinion." Getting a second opinion may help you choose the treatment that is right for you.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials use new treatment options to see if they are safe and effective. If you have cancer, you may want to take part. Visit the sites listed below for more information.

Complementary and alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine are medicines and health practices that are not standard cancer treatments. Complementary medicine is used in addition to standard treatments. Alternative medicine is used instead of standard treatments. Acupuncture and supplements like vitamins and herbs are some examples.

Many kinds of complementary and alternative medicine have not been tested scientifically and may not be safe. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before you start any kind of complementary or alternative medicine.

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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Division of Cancer Prevention and Control