- 1. Surgery to remove the tumor
- 2. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- 3. Natural options for ovarian cancer
- Signs of improvement in ovarian cancer
- Signs of worsening ovarian cancer
Treatment for ovarian cancer should be guided by a gynecologist or an oncologist specialized in gynecology, to adapt the type of treatment to the degree of cancer development, the woman's general health, age and other factors such as the desire to have children, for example.
However, in most cases, treatment of ovarian cancer is started with surgery to remove as many cancer cells as possible, then chemotherapy or radiation therapy is performed to eliminate the remaining cells and try to achieve a cure.
Thus, the main forms of treatment include:
1. Surgery to remove the tumor
Ovarian cancer surgery is the main type of treatment used to eliminate as much of the tumor as possible and, depending on the type of cancer, can be done in several ways, including:
- Salpingoophorectomy: consists of the removal of the affected ovary and fallopian tube and, therefore, only one ovary can be removed if the cancer is in its initial phase and does not affect both; Hysterectomy: it is a surgery to also remove the woman's uterus, in case the cancer has spread to this organ; Cyto-reductive surgery: it is used in the most advanced cases of ovarian cancer to remove cancer 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 intimate contact should only happen after this period and the return to daily activities should be gradual.
In the event that 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.
Find out more about this surgery and what recovery is like.
2. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Chemotherapy is done using drugs that prevent cancer cells from developing and multiplying. Usually, chemotherapy is done with injections directly into the vein, but in some cases pills with the same effect may be used if the cancer is underdeveloped.
Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer can last up to 6 months and cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, anemia and hair loss. See the most common side effects of chemotherapy and how to relieve them.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend radiotherapy sessions with X-rays to complement the chemotherapy treatment, especially when there is a risk of the cancer coming back.
3. Natural options for ovarian cancer
Ginger tea is a good natural treatment for ovarian cancer during chemotherapy, as it removes toxins from the body, helping to get results faster and avoiding various side effects such as nausea and vomiting. However, natural treatment does not guarantee a cure and should not replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
- Ginger tea: put 1 slice of ginger to a boil with 500 ml of water for about 10 minutes. Then cover and allow to warm. Strain and drink 2 cups a day.
To complement the natural treatment for ovarian cancer, women should also avoid eating foods rich in fat and sugar, stop smoking, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or coffee, giving preference to foods rich in antioxidants, such as carrots, cabbage, grapes and oranges..
Signs of improvement in ovarian cancer
In many cases, signs of improvement in ovarian cancer appear soon after the removal of the affected organs, however, the woman should have regular consultations with the gynecologist for blood and ultrasound tests, to ensure that the cancer has been completely eliminated..
Signs of worsening ovarian cancer
The signs of worsening ovarian cancer appear when it is not possible to eliminate all cancer cells from the body and include the appearance or increase of abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, vomiting and a swollen belly, for example.
