Ovarian Cancer: Description and Treatment

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer
Surgery
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Ovarian cancer refers to a cancerous growth that develops on female internal reproductive organ. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks among top ten cancers that have an emotional or cognitive impact upon women (Freedman, 2009). Ovarian cancer is very deadly, and it is advisable for women to have regular screenings. The reason for this is that ovarian cancer symptoms are hardly recognizable until the disease spreads beyond the ovary. Ovarian cancer leads to various body changes in a woman (Freedman, 2009). Therefore, it is important for a woman to feel free telling a doctor how her body feels from time to time.

Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer

Doctors use numerous forms of treatment for ovarian cancer, depending on its development stage. Every development stage of ovarian cancer requires unique and specialized treatment. In applying various treatment options, it is important for doctors to ensure that they understand all options, means of navigating through the process, as well as the development stage of the cancer (Elsevier, 2010). In addition, doctors need to practice the ethical code of medical profession, by engaging their patients in every decision made regarding any treatment administered (Elsevier, 2010). Some treatment options for ovarian cancer are as discussed below.

Surgery

Surgical procedures apply as one of the most effective ways of treating ovarian cancer. This treatment option entails efforts by doctors to get rid of any visible growth that develops on the ovary (Elsevier, 2010). Surgery also applies as the foremost management choice for ovarian cancer. Gynecological cancer specialists conduct surgical procedures on patients according to results obtained during diagnosis. Various forms of surgery apply in treating ovarian cancer, and they include hysterectomy, lymph node dissection, and cyst reduction surgery among others (Elsevier, 2010).

Radiation

Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment option that kills cancer cells in a body, by exposing them to radioactive substance (Freedman, 2009). This option applies in treating recurrent ovarian cancer, often confined in one part of the reproductive organ. A radiation oncologist, who has the specialty in giving both internal and external radiotherapy, does radiotherapy (Elsevier, 2010). Internal therapy entails delivery of radioactive material to a growth inside the ovary through injection, while external therapy entails passing radioactive material to the ovary from outside. Doctors advise women under radiotherapy treatment to avoid engaging in any form of sexual activity, as it can easily compromise their treatment procedure (Elsevier, 2010).

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment option that uses drugs to counter the spread of cancer after surgery, by killing any cells, which were unidentifiable during surgery (Freedman, 2009). This treatment option often succeeds surgery. Drugs counter the spread of cancer by barricading the power of cancer cells to segregate and grow up within the ovary. Chemotherapy involves a treatment cycle, which a patient has to go through a number of steps over a specific period. The cycle involves administration of a single type of medication or a combination of various medications at every stage. The manner in which a patient undertakes chemotherapy depends on the initial reason for having it administered. Patients undergo chemotherapy for various reasons that include reduction of a growth prior to surgery, killing cells after surgery, alter the development of a tumor, managing recurrent cancer, as well as managing cancer symptoms and ensuring the comfort of a patient (Freedman, 2009).

Conclusion

Surgery is the main treatment option for ovarian cancer, while radiotherapy and chemotherapy help in complementing its efforts. Treating ovarian cancer involves various stages that a patient ought to go through, thus the need for patience and moral support from those close to them. In treatment of ovarian cancer, it is important for doctors to observe the ethical code of medical practice by involving patients in decisions regarding their treatment, as well as maintaining the confidentiality of their medical information.

References

Elsevier, M. (2010). Path Physiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Freedman, J. (2009). Ovarian Cancer: Current and Emerging Trends in Detection and Treatment. New Jersey: The Rosen Publishing Group.

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