Getting Diagnosed for Ovarian Cancer During COVID-19
- Early symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle and nonspecific, however should not be ignored
- Doctor’s offices and hospitals have put precautions in place to protect patients during visits
- Many doctors are using telemedicine over in-person visits when possible
"Prior to COVID, a gynecologic oncologist like myself would be doing surgeries, talking to patients in the office, administering chemotherapy, and providing palliative and end of life care," says Dr. Dwight Chen, gynecologic oncologist at Sutter Bay Medical Foundation in the Bay Area in California.
Read MoreRisks of Delaying Visits
In a Gallup poll conducted in April 2020, 42% of U.S. adults said they would be "very concerned" about being exposed to coronavirus at a doctor's office or hospital. That worry has kept some Americans from getting the medical care they need. "In this era of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is natural for many patients to avoid seeing their doctor, for fear of contracting the virus," Dr. Chen says.The risk of waiting to see a doctor if you're experiencing symptoms is that you could miss an ovarian cancer diagnosis, and give the cancer additional time to grow.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
"Many of the symptoms that can happen in ovarian cancer can be slow and nonspecific, and those symptoms should not be ignored," Dr. Chen says.
Early symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- Bloating in the abdomen
- Belly pain
- A mass in the abdomen
- Trouble eating, or feeling full soon after you eat
- Difficulty breathing
Because these symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, it's important to get a diagnosis. "Patients should go see their doctor immediately if they develop symptoms that don’t go away," Dr. Chen says.
New Safety Procedures During Medical Visits
Hospitals have instituted a number of practices to ensure that their patients and staff stay safe while the coronavirus spreads. They have enacted social distancing, reduced contact between patients and staff, regular cleaning of rooms and equipment, and frequent hand sanitizing. Medical providers are also tested for COVID-19 often.
As part of these precautions, your doctor may prescreen you with a series of questions and a temperature check when you arrive at the office. Expect to be asked where you have recently traveled, and about any symptoms you’ve had, such as fever, coughing or shortness of breath, that could be signs of COVID-19..
To ensure your own safety when you visit the doctor for an exam or treatment, follow these tips:
- Wear a mask
- Wash your hands frequently
- Maintain social distancing practices from other people in the office
Diagnosis and Treatment in the Era of COVID-19
Typically, the initial treatment for ovarian cancer is either surgery or chemotherapy in advance of and following surgery, called neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Because of COVID-19, some doctors have suggested delaying surgery in favor of chemotherapy when possible. The decision is an individualized one between you and your doctor and should be based on your particular set of circumstances and which treatment is likely to produce the best outcome. Additionally there are other factors to weigh such as if you need to recover in a nursing facility which may not be a safe option right now. Our experts tell us that there is no significant data to broadly suggest that your treatment sequence will have an impact on your overall outcome.
The pandemic has undoubtedly introduced many challenges when it comes to diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer, but the medical community has adapted to them quickly. These adaptations should give you some reassurance that you can safely visit your oncologist to address any concerning symptoms you have.
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