Hearing the word “cancer” can feel overwhelming. You may immediately start wondering what your symptoms mean, which tests are actually needed, whether surgery will be required, and what treatment may look like.

Ovarian cancer treatment is planned according to several factors, including the type of cancer, how far it has spread, your overall health, and, in some cases, genetic or molecular test results. If you are looking for cancer treatment in Faridabad, consulting a surgical oncologist can help you understand your diagnosis and the next steps in your treatment journey.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in or around the ovaries. Some cancers involving the Fallopian tubes and primary peritoneum are closely related to ovarian cancer and may be treated using similar approaches.

One reason ovarian cancer can be difficult to identify early is that its symptoms may resemble common digestive or menstrual problems. According to the American Cancer Society, only around 20% of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage.

This makes it important to pay attention to symptoms that are persistent, unusual for you, or gradually becoming more frequent.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

• Persistent bloating or swelling of the abdomen
• Pain or pressure in the pelvic or abdominal area
• Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating normally
• A more frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Back pain
• Unusual or persistent tiredness
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Changes in menstrual bleeding
• Abdominal swelling along with unexplained weight loss

It is important to remember that having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have ovarian cancer. Conditions such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, digestive disorders and hormonal problems can also cause similar symptoms.

The important factor is whether symptoms continue, become more frequent, or are noticeably different from your usual health pattern.

Why Can Ovarian Cancer Be Missed?

Ovarian cancer can sometimes be difficult to detect because there is currently no reliable routine screening test for women at average risk that can consistently identify ovarian cancer at an early stage.

Tests such as ultrasound and the CA-125 blood test may be recommended when symptoms, examination findings, or other factors raise concern. However, neither test should be considered a simple yes-or-no test for ovarian cancer.

This is why doctors usually consider your symptoms, medical history, examination findings, imaging, and other test results together.

How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing ovarian cancer is usually a step-by-step process rather than something confirmed through a single test.

1. Medical Examination

The doctor will discuss your symptoms and medical history. They may also ask about:

• Previous illnesses or medical conditions
• Menstrual and reproductive history
• Family history of cancer
• Previous cancer diagnoses
• Other potential risk factors

A pelvic examination may also be recommended depending on your symptoms and clinical findings.

2. Imaging Tests

Imaging can help doctors examine the ovaries and surrounding pelvic organs.

A transvaginal ultrasound may be used to assess an ovarian mass or other abnormalities. Depending on the situation, additional imaging such as a CT scan or MRI may be recommended to understand the size, location, and possible spread of a suspected tumor.

3. Blood Tests and Tumor Markers

Blood tests may provide additional information during the diagnostic process.

One commonly discussed tumor marker is CA-125. However, an increased CA-125 level does not automatically mean that a person has ovarian cancer. Other medical conditions can also cause CA-125 levels to rise.

Therefore, CA-125 is generally interpreted alongside symptoms, imaging, and other clinical findings.

4. Tissue Diagnosis and Staging

When required, a tissue sample may be examined by a pathologist to confirm the presence and type of cancer.

Staging is another important part of the process. It helps determine whether the cancer is limited to the ovary or has spread to other areas of the body.

Understanding the stage helps the oncology team develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment Options in Faridabad

There is no single treatment plan that works for every patient with ovarian cancer. Treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, tumor characteristics, overall health, and previous treatments.

Depending on the individual case, treatment may include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Hormone therapy in selected situations
• Immunotherapy in selected cases
• Radiation therapy in specific situations
• Clinical trials where appropriate

An oncology team may recommend one treatment or a combination of treatments.

Surgery for Ovarian Cancer

Surgery is an important part of treatment for many patients with ovarian cancer.

Depending on the type and stage of cancer, surgery may involve removing:

• One or both ovaries
• Fallopian tubes
• The uterus
• Nearby lymph nodes
• Other tissues affected by cancer

For more advanced disease, surgeons may perform cytoreductive surgery, also called debulking surgery. The goal is to safely remove as much visible cancer as possible.

The exact surgical approach depends on the patient’s individual condition and the extent of the disease.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth.

It may be recommended:

• Before surgery
• After surgery
• Along with other treatments
• When surgery is not immediately appropriate

A commonly used approach for ovarian cancer includes platinum-based chemotherapy, sometimes combined with another anti-cancer medicine.

Your oncologist will determine the appropriate medicines, schedule, and duration based on your individual case.

Targeted and Newer Treatments

Advances in cancer treatment have introduced medicines that target specific characteristics of cancer cells.

For some patients, PARP inhibitors and other targeted medicines may be considered. Their use depends on factors such as tumor characteristics, previous treatment, genetic testing, and molecular test results.

Not every patient is suitable for these treatments, which is why individual assessment is important.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment: What Does the Journey Look Like?

Every patient’s cancer journey is different. However, the treatment process may generally involve several stages:

Stage	What Usually Happens
Initial consultation	Symptoms, medical history and examination findings are reviewed.
Diagnostic workup	Imaging, blood tests, and tissue tests may be performed when required.
Staging	The extent and spread of cancer are assessed.
Treatment planning	Surgery, chemotherapy, and other suitable treatments are discussed.
Active treatment	The selected treatment plan is carried out and monitored.
Follow-up	Recovery, treatment response, side effects, and possible recurrence are monitored

The National Cancer Institute identifies surgery and chemotherapy as major treatments for ovarian cancer, with targeted therapies used when appropriate.

Meet the Expert: Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal

Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal is an oncologist at Metro Cancer Institute, Faridabad. According to Metro Hospitals, he is Director & Head of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery (Unit-II) and has more than 12 years of experience in cancer care.

He trained at AIIMS, New Delhi, and has completed fellowship training in laparoscopic and robotic oncology. His clinical work includes the surgical management of various malignancies.

Doctor-approved quote: “[Insert an approved quote from Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal about cancer care and patient counselling.]”

Note: The above quote should be replaced only with a statement reviewed and approved by the doctor.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you experience persistent bloating, abdominal or pelvic discomfort, changes in urination, feeling full unusually quickly, or other new symptoms, it is advisable to get them evaluated rather than assuming they will go away on their own.

You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:

• Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
• Significant abdominal swelling
• Persistent vomiting
• Fainting or severe weakness
• Heavy or unusual bleeding
• Other sudden or severe symptoms

These symptoms can have many possible causes, but urgent or worsening symptoms should not be ignored.

Next Steps for Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Faridabad

A diagnosis or suspicion of ovarian cancer can raise many questions. Understanding the diagnosis, stage, and available treatment options can make the next steps clearer.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, or if an ovarian mass has raised concerns, an oncology consultation in Faridabad can help you understand the recommended investigations and treatment options.

Next Steps: Visit Us

Call: 099688 56411

Clinic Address

Dr. Shivam Vatsal Agarwal

Ground Floor, Metro Cancer Institute Hospital

Nirman Kunj, ADB PWD Colony

Sector 16A Faridabad, Haryana 121002