Ovarian Cancer

Your Winship care team draws on Emory's vast resources in surgical and medical oncology, to provide the newest, most effective practices and treatments for ovarian cancer.

Our multidisciplinary care teams also include pathologists, pharmacists and advanced practice nurses with expertise in ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers. As specialists, our teams develop groundbreaking surgeries and treatments that produce better outcomes.

The benefits of our multidisciplinary and highly experienced teams include:

• Access to doctors and surgeons who rank among the top cancer experts in the world.
• Review of patient cases by a multidisciplinary team of experts.
• Coordinated scheduling for appointments among various specialties.
• Access to a nurse navigator to assist you throughout the treatment process.
• Access to support programs and groups for you and your caregivers.
• Availability of new treatment options within our clinical trials program.

Request an Appointment

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, we are ready to help you. To request an appointment with our gynecologic cancer team, please contact us at (404) 778-3401. Winship experts are available to provide a second opinion.

We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Learn what to expect on your first visit.

Your physician may be able to detect ovarian cancer during a routine exam.

Surgery is used to make a diagnosis, to determine the stage of the disease and to remove the tumor and any abnormal tissue.

Surgery

During surgery, the surgeon will make a cut in the wall of the abdomen in a procedure called a laparotomy. Depending on where the cancer is found, one of the following surgeries may be performed:

• Salpingo-oophorectomy - removal of one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• Hysterectomy - removes the uterus and cervix.
• Staging procedures - removal of surrounding lymph nodes, tissue samples from the pelvis and abdomen, or the omentum which is the fatty tissue that covers the intestines.
• Tumor debulking or cytoreduction – removal of visible tumor nodules or masses, which may include removal of the spleen, parts of the bowel, the liver.
• Fertility-sparing – keeping one ovary and/or the uterus.

Chemotherapy

Several different drugs may also be used to treat primary or recurrent ovarian cancer. These drugs are given through a vein (IV or intravenous), directly into the abdomen (IP or intraperitoneally), or orally.

Targeted Therapy

Winship's most promising research in treating ovarian cancer is in personalized medicine and targeted therapies. In personalized medicine, researchers identify unique characteristics of tumors that make them vulnerable to known drugs so therapy can be tailored to an individual's cancer. In targeted therapies, investigators look for new drugs that more selectively target cancer cells with fewer side effects.

Clinical Trials

In addition to standard therapy, participating in clinical trials may be an option in certain cases. Clinical trials provide patients access to new medications that are being developed to treat ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers. Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship.

Reproductive Health Care

Some patients with ovarian cancer may be candidates for preserving their fertility, the ability to get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy. Our cancer team works closely with the Emory Reproductive Center to support patients when their fertility may be impacted by cancer treatment. Ask your doctor if this is an option with your cancer diagnosis and to be referred to a fertility specialist.

Supportive Oncology Care

In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a cancer diagnosis and of dealing with treatment. Our supportive oncology team addresses these issues in a timely manner with additional support from counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians, social service professionals, and additional specialists trained in the management of cancer symptoms, such as pain or nausea.