What is the usual treatment for ovarian cancer?
Most commonly, surgery is the first step in treatment. When ovarian cancer is suspected because of the presence of an ovarian mass, tests including a CA-125 blood test and a CT scan or MRI of the abdomen and pelvis are done. Most cases of ovarian cancer require removal of both ovaries, both fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the omentum (a fatty apron overlying the intestines), with additional biopsies of various abdominal lining surfaces including the diaphragm and biopsies of lymph nodes. Also, any fluid in the abdomen is sent for examination by a pathologist. These tests determine the stage of the cancer. Stage III and Stage IV ovarian cancers are treated with chemotherapy; the drugs carboplatin or cisplatin and paclitaxel are the most commonly employed drugs, usually for five to six months. There are many research studies through the National Cancer Institute or pharmaceutical companies testing new drugs or new combinations of available drugs. Women with Stage I or Stage II disease t
