Ovarian cancer care with your future in mind
Your ovaries are an important part of your reproductive system. Located on each side of your uterus, the ovaries are in charge of producing eggs during your reproductive years. They are also responsible for producing estrogen and progesterone–hormones that make your body uniquely female in its shape and function.
Treatment options for ovarian cancer
Whether your reproductive years have just begun, or you're past menopause, we understand that ovarian cancer is a sensitive subject. We offer personalized care that continues long after you recover. In fact, our specialists follow you over a five-year period after your treatment to ensure you are doing well.
The best treatment for you depends on your age, medical history and the size and location of your tumor. Our goal is to use the least invasive treatment options possible with the best possible results. Your treatment options may include:
- Chemotherapy – Our team includes a gynecologic oncologist for chemotherapy and hormonal therapy to treat ovarian cancer, including intraperitoneal chemotherapy, in which your chemotherapy drugs are administered directly through the abdomen.
- Radiation – You may need traditional external beam radiation or more targeted intensify modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which uses proton beams to conform to the exact shape of your tumor while leaving nearby tissue untouched.
- Surgery – We offer traditional and minimally invasive surgery options, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery to remove cancerous tumors.
Does ovarian cancer affect fertility?
When possible, we treat you using techniques that spare the healthy tissue nearby. We understand that you may want to start a family after you recover from ovarian cancer, so we offer options to help preserve your fertility.
If you are having chemotherapy, radiation or surgery to remove ovarian cancer, you may wish to freeze your eggs in advance. At Main Line Health, we use the latest technique for egg freezing, called vitrification, so you can save your healthy eggs for a future pregnancy. If egg freezing is not an option, you might choose egg donation from someone you know or from an egg bank.
No matter which option you choose, in vitro fertilization will allow a possible future pregnancy when you're ready.
