Ovarian cancer is cancer that develops internally, externally, or in proximity to the ovaries. Based on its location, the stage and type of cancer is classified. Once it is classified, ovarian cancer treatments are recommended accordingly. Below are different classifications of treatment options for ovarian cancer.

1. Local treatments
This implies that the tumor is dealt with without any impact on the rest of the patient’s body. These ovarian cancer treatments include:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy

2. Systemic treatments
These involve treatment through drugs as they can reach cancerous cells anywhere in the body. The drugs are employed orally or through the bloodstream. Medications depend on the kind of ovarian cancer. These types of treatments include:

• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Therapy
• Hormone Therapy

3. Common approaches
Depending on the phase, type, and other special cases, this treatment is employed pre or post-surgery. In some cases, both pre and post-surgical therapy may be needed.

When diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the doctor will interact with you to figure out which of the above treatments is suitable for you. At times more than one type of treatment may be needed.

4. Primary ovarian cancer treatments
The more common ovarian cancer treatments include the following:

• Surgery

This is the initial step to check whether a small mass is cancerous. It is also known as a biopsy. Surgery assists with the “staging” of the cancer to understand the extent of how much it has spread. Once confirmed, the surgeon removes the tumor as much as possible. Depending on the spread and severity, the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or cervix may be removed along with lymph nodes and the omentum. All the visible cancer is eradicated.

• Chemotherapy

After surgery, if there are cancer cells still remaining, then chemotherapy is utilized to get rid of them. Powerful medicines are administered through IV. At times, the medicine may be injected into the abdomen for direct contact with cancer cells, or the area where the cancer has spread.

• Radiation

X-rays of high energy can help in killing cancerous cells remaining in the pelvic region. It is used after surgery or to manage symptoms.

• Targeted therapy

Newer medicines are employed to find and work on the cancerous cells. Targeted therapy works without harming the surrounding normal cells. The medications work in such a way that they stop the growth, division, or fixation of cancer cells. The medicines are given orally or via IV.

• Hormone therapy

This therapy utilizes hormone-blocking or hormone medications, and is recommended by some doctors.

5. Complementary therapies
These therapies include the use of alternative medicine and is often practiced together with conventional medication.

6. Clinical trials
Studies on ovarian cancer treatments are ongoing. New procedures and treatments are being found by taking a closer look at current treatment options. Getting in touch with the doctor can assist in finding out more about these clinical trials and whether they are appropriate for you.

Ovarian cancer treatments are very successful in eradicating the cancer. For some people, only one treatment may suffice, whereas, for others, more than one treatment may be required to get rid of ovarian cancer.