Treatment for ovarian cancer should be directed by a gynecologist or an oncologist who specializes in gynecology to tailor the type of treatment to the degree of cancer development, general health of the woman, age and other factors such as the desire to have children, for example .
However, in most cases, ovarian cancer treatment is started with surgery to remove as many cancer cells as possible, and then chemotherapy or radiation therapy is done to eliminate the remaining cells and try to achieve cure.
See how the cancer staging is done in: Ovarian cancer.
Surgical treatment for ovarian cancer
Surgery for ovarian cancer is the main type of treatment used to eliminate as much tumor as possible and, depending on the type of cancer, it can be done in a number of ways, including:
- Salpingo-oophorectomy : involves removal of the affected ovary and fallopian tube, and therefore, an ovary can only be removed if the cancer is in the initial phase and does not affect both;
- Hysterectomy : is a surgery to also remove the woman's uterus if the cancer has spread to this organ;
- Cyto-reductive surgery : It is used in the most advanced cases of ovarian cancer to remove cancerous cells from other affected organs, such as the bladder, spleen, stomach or colon, for example.
After the surgery the recovery time can last up to 1 month, and the intimate contact should only happen after that period and the return to daily activities should be gradual.
In the case where the woman intends to become pregnant, but needs to remove both ovaries it may be possible to preserve one or more healthy eggs for later use in an artificial insemination technique, for example.
Chemotherapy treatment for ovarian cancer
The treatment for ovarian cancer with chemotherapy is done with the use of medicines that prevent cancer cells from developing and multiplying. Usually, chemotherapy is done with injections directly into the vein, but in some cases tablets with the same effect can be used if the cancer is poorly developed.
Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer can last up to 6 months and cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, tiredness, anemia and hair loss.
In addition, the doctor may also indicate x-ray radiotherapy sessions to complement the chemotherapy treatment, especially when there is a risk of the cancer coming back.
Natural Treatment for Ovarian Cancer
Ginger tea is a good natural treatment for ovarian cancer during chemotherapy as it eliminates toxins from the body, helping to get results faster. However, natural treatment does not guarantee cure and should not replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
- Ginger tea: Put 1 ginger slice to boil with 500 ml of water for about 10 minutes. Then cover and let rise. Strain and drink 2 cups a day.
To supplement the natural treatment for ovarian cancer the patient should avoid eating foods rich in fat and sugar, quit smoking, avoid drinking alcohol or coffee, giving preference to foods rich in antioxidants such as carrots, kale, grape and orange.
Signs of Ovarian Cancer Improvement
Signs of improvement in ovarian cancer occur soon after the removal of the affected organs, however, the woman should make regular consultations at the gynecologist to do blood and ultrasound examinations, to ensure that the cancer has been completely eliminated.
Signs of worsening ovarian cancer
Signs of worsening ovarian cancer arise when it is not possible to eliminate all of the cancer cells in the body and include the onset or increase of abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, vomiting and swollen belly, for example.
