The first step after an initial diagnosis of ovarian cancer will be a conversation about whether surgery — to remove as much of the tumor as possible — is a good option. These first conversations can help determine how best to approach your surgery, or whether surgery is even the right choice with which to begin.
All patients should have a comprehensive conversation with their doctor about the sequence of their treatment (surgery or chemotherapy first) and what the different options are. Doctors can discuss these difficult treatment choices and include patients in their own treatment plans.
Because these procedures are long and fairly intensive, doctors will pay close attention to a woman’s overall health — to assure that she is eligible for surgery. If a woman is deemed eligible, and decides with her medical team that upfront surgery is the best path, she can expect to be in surgery for around three to six hours. The surgery is typically done through a vertical incision in the belly, and the exact length of time will depend on the size and location of the individual’s cancer.
On the day of the surgery, the patient will first meet with her medical team, which will include the surgeon and the anesthesia team — who will be able to explain the surgery process. The goal with surgery is to remove all visible evidence of disease. The actual procedure will vary from patient to patient because every woman’s cancer is different.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Cassandra Niemi is a gynecologic oncologist at Compass Oncology. Read More
The first step after an initial diagnosis of ovarian cancer will be a conversation about whether surgery — to remove as much of the tumor as possible — is a good option. These first conversations can help determine how best to approach your surgery, or whether surgery is even the right choice with which to begin.
All patients should have a comprehensive conversation with their doctor about the sequence of their treatment (surgery or chemotherapy first) and what the different options are. Doctors can discuss these difficult treatment choices and include patients in their own treatment plans.
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Because these procedures are long and fairly intensive, doctors will pay close attention to a woman’s overall health — to assure that she is eligible for surgery. If a woman is deemed eligible, and decides with her medical team that upfront surgery is the best path, she can expect to be in surgery for around three to six hours. The surgery is typically done through a vertical incision in the belly, and the exact length of time will depend on the size and location of the individual’s cancer.
On the day of the surgery, the patient will first meet with her medical team, which will include the surgeon and the anesthesia team — who will be able to explain the surgery process. The goal with surgery is to remove all visible evidence of disease. The actual procedure will vary from patient to patient because every woman’s cancer is different.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Cassandra Niemi is a gynecologic oncologist at Compass Oncology. Read More
