Should I have surgery for ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells appear in one or both ovaries, developing into invasive malignant tumors that attack and destroy tissues and organs in the body. When left untreated, malignant cells metastasize to many other organs.

Surgery is the preferred method of treatment for ovarian cancer patients. This method helps doctors accurately determine the stage of cancer because the doctor directly observes, evaluates the extent of spread as well as takes tissue samples for biopsy.

During surgery, the doctor can combine checking the current condition of the tumor, ovaries and existing lesions inside the patient's abdomen. Depending on the test results, the doctor may prescribe removal of the entire uterus, bilateral adnexa, greater omentum, removal or destruction of all tumors.

At the same time, during surgery, the doctor will examine the underside of the diaphragm and the entire peritoneum, and biopsy if any abnormalities are suspected. Then, check the pelvic lymph nodes and abdominal aorta lymph nodes to remove metastatic nodes.

Depending on the severity of the disease and the patient's health condition, the doctor may perform open or endoscopic surgery. In the early stages, patients can have laparoscopic surgery, which is less invasive, reduces pain, and shortens recovery time.

In advanced stages, the tumor is too large or adheres too much to nearby organs, metastasizes... the patient may need chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor. Thanks to that, the surgery is more effective. After surgery, the patient can continue to be treated with chemotherapy, targeted drugs...

Ovarian cancer has a cure rate of over 90% if detected early and treated properly from the early stages. During the first two years after surgery, patients need to be carefully monitored, periodically re-examined, eat scientifically, live in moderation, maintain a comfortable spirit... follow the doctor's instructions to limit recurrence.

If the patient wishes to have children after treatment, they should talk to their doctor as soon as the disease is detected to receive instructions on fertility preservation methods.

If you are scheduled for surgery, you should treat it early according to your doctor's regimen. Early treatment when the tumor is still small and has not yet spread contributes to increasing the cure rate, making surgery simpler, and reducing the time and heavy dose of chemotherapy.

Women should have regular gynecological examinations, especially if there is a high risk such as a family member with ovarian cancer or gynecological diseases... When experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding after sex or menopause, menstrual cycle is too short or too long, menorrhagia, palpable mass in the lower abdomen... women should see a gynecological oncology specialist so that the doctor can check, find the cause, and treat appropriately and promptly.

MSc.BS.CKI Huynh Ba Tan

Department of Oncology

Oncology Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City