What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which cells in the ovaries multiply and grow abnormally, forming ovarian tumors. Ovarian cancer can develop in different types of cells that make up the ovaries, including surface epithelial cells, peritoneum, and fallopian tubes.
The ovaries are almond-sized female reproductive organs that produce eggs and the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 87. The incidence rate, however, has declined by almost 3% from 1990 to 2019. This is likely because of increased use of oral contraceptives and decreased use of hormone therapy for menopause.
What Are the Primary Types of Ovarian Cancer?
There are three main types of ovarian cancer:
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Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common, accounting for about 90% of cases. It starts in the tissue that covers the ovaries.
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Germ cell tumors are less common and typically affect younger women. These start in the egg-producing cells.
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Stromal tumors begin in the hormone-producing cells of the ovaries.
One of the rare subtypes of ovarian cancer diagnosed is clear cell carcinoma. It has an incidence rate of 5-10% of all cancer cases and usually affects younger women.
What Causes Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer often develops from genetic mutations in the ovaries or surrounding tissues. Some common risk factors include:
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Family history of ovarian or breast cancer. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase the risk significantly.
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Age. The majority of cases occur in women over 50.
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Endometriosis. Women with endometriosis are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
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Hormone replacement therapy. Prolonged use of hormone replacement, especially estrogen without progesterone, increases risk.
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Obesity. A higher body mass index (BMI) is linked to an increased chance of developing ovarian cancer.
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Women with endometrial cancer are also at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Does a Patient With PCOS Have a Higher Risk of Developing Ovarian Cancer?
Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) do not have a significantly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to the general population. Although PCOS is linked to other health issues and an increased risk of endometrial cancer, research does not show a strong connection between PCOS and a higher likelihood of ovarian cancer.
How Does the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is staged using the FIGO system, which evaluates tumor size, spread to nearby organs, and distant metastasis. The stages include:
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Stage I. The cancer is confined to one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes.
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Stage II. The cancer has spread to nearby pelvic organs, such as the bladder or rectum.
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Stage III. The cancer has spread to the abdominal lining or lymph nodes outside the pelvis.
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Stage IV. The cancer has metastasized to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.
Staging is typically conducted by a specialized gynecologic oncology team to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Where Is the First Place Ovarian Cancer Spreads To?
Ovarian cancer commonly spreads first to the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum is often the initial site of metastasis for ovarian cancer. This spread occurs when cancer cells from the ovaries break away and implant themselves in the peritoneal lining, leading to further progression of the disease within the abdominal cavity.
Metastatic ovarian cancer commonly affects lymph nodes, then the liver, and then the lungs before spreading further into the body.
What Are the First Signs of Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer symptoms often resemble common gastrointestinal issues, making early detection difficult. However, recognizing specific persistent symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis:
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Persistent bloating or swelling in the abdomen;
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Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly;
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Frequent need to urinate;
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Unexplained fatigue;
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Pelvic pain or discomfort;
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Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation.
How to Confirm Ovarian Cancer Patients?
A variety of diagnostic tests are used to confirm ovarian cancer, including:
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🔴 Pelvic Ultrasound. An imaging test to visualize the ovaries and detect abnormalities.
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🟠 CA-125 Blood Test. Measures levels of CA-125, a protein often elevated in cancer patients.
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🟡 CT and MRI Scans. Provide detailed images of the abdomen to assess the extent of cancer spread.
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🟢 Biopsy. The doctor takes tissue samples from the ovaries or other affected areas to confirm or disprove the presence of cancer.
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🔵 Genetic Testing. Identifies BRCA1, BRCA2, and other mutations to guide treatment decisions.
How to Treat Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer treatment depends on the cancer stage and type, as well as the patient’s overall health. A multidisciplinary team collaborates to treat ovarian cancer, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored treatment plan. Options include:
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Surgery is the primary treatment for gynecologic cancers.
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Radiation Therapy uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. However, due to the greater effectiveness of aggressive chemotherapy, radiation is rarely the primary treatment for ovarian cancer.
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Chemotherapy is often prescribed after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells using chemotherapy drugs.
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Targeted Therapy. Drugs like PARP inhibitors (e.g., olaparib) are used for patients with BRCA mutations.
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Hormone Therapy helps treat some stromal tumors by blocking estrogen production.
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Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system fight cancer.
What Are the Types of Ovarian Cancer Surgery?
Surgical treatment for ovarian cancer is tailored to the cancer stage:
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✅ Total hysterectomy removes the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes to prevent cancer spread.
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✅ Debulking surgery. In advanced stages, surgeons remove as much of the tumor as possible from surrounding tissues.
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✅ Omentectomy is the removal of the omentum, a layer of abdominal tissue where cancer often spreads.
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✅ Lymphadenectomy involves removing nearby lymph nodes to assess the spread of the disease.
Surgeries can be performed using open surgery or minimally invasive surgery techniques like laparoscopy, which leads to faster recovery.
What Is the Best Treatment for Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer?
Clear cell cancer treatment can be more challenging because of its higher resistance to traditional chemotherapy. For example, the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy for this type of cancer is only 20–50%.
That's why the main options are:
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Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors;
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Targeted Therapy that limits blood vessel formation around tumors or causes mutations in cancer cells.
What Is the Best Ovarian Cancer Hospital in the World?
We at Bookimed picked the leading hospitals for ovarian cancer treatment based on our Smart Ranking System:
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Sourasky Medical Center in Israel partners with Roche Pharmaceuticals to offer FoundationOne. This genetic test identifies how sensitive cancer is to various medications.
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Anadolu Medical Center in Turkey is affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine Hospital (USA), the top medical facility in America.
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Asklepios Hospital Barmbek in Germany focuses on organ-preserving operations so that women can have children in the future.
What Is the Ovarian Cancer Treatment Cost?
The costs for treating ovarian cancer vary widely depending on the country, type of surgery, and additional therapies. Depending on complexity and treatment type, the average cost of ovarian cancer treatment can range from $20,000 to $100,000.
| Country | Surgery costs | Chemotherapy costs | Targeted therapy costs |
|
Israel |
$30,000-$50,000 |
$10,000-$18,000 |
$80,000-$120,000 annually |
|
Turkey |
$15,000-$30,000 |
$8,000-$12,000 |
$60,000-$100,000 annually |
|
Germany |
$40,000-$70,000 |
$15,000-$20,000 |
$90,000-$130,000 annually |
How to Find the Best Hospital for Ovarian Cancer Treatment?
To find the best ovarian cancer treatment hospital, patients should consider:
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Accreditation. The hospital should be accredited by international organizations such as the Joint Commission International (JCI).
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Access to Clinical Trials. The leading hospitals offer access to experimental therapies through clinical trials.
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Advanced Technology. Such as robotic surgery and targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors.
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Survival Rates. A higher success rate can be a good indicator of expertise and effective treatment protocols.
What Accreditations Are Important for Cancer Hospitals?
Bookimed helps patients to find top-tier care for ovarian cancer treatment abroad. Here are some of the leading accreditations that matter for cancer centers:
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Ranked #1 in the world for ovarian cancer treatment by the National Cancer Institute. This prestigious ranking reflects our commitment to excellence in cancer care.
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Accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. This accreditation signifies our adherence to the highest treatment standards.
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Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. This designation highlights our leadership in cancer research, treatment, and education.
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Ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the country for gynecologic cancer treatment by US News & World Report. This ranking underscores our expertise and success in treating gynecologic cancers, including ovarian cancer.
By choosing our platform, patients can be confident that they receive care from a world-class team of experts.
How to Choose the Right Ovarian Cancer Specialists?
Looking for the best ovarian cancer doctor in the world is not easy, but it guarantees a comprehensive approach and successful treatment. Here are the critical points to consider:
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❗️Years of Expertise. An oncologist for ovarian cancer with extensive practice will likely find an appropriate therapy solution.
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❗️Awards. Check if the doctor was listed in the ratings by international organizations (for example, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)) or if they have any awards for exceptional achievements (such as the Yvonne Award).
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❗️Access to New Therapies. Specialists involved in clinical trials will offer cutting-edge treatment.
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❗️Patient Reviews. Praising patient feedback is an insight into a doctor's care quality and communication characteristics.
For patients exploring different options or running out of time, Bookimed can offer online assistance. Simply submit a request on our website, and contact a medical coordinator. Let us explore your case and hand it over to the top ovarian cancer oncologists based on your needs.
References
New therapies for clear cell ovarian carcinoma. International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer. URL: https://ijgc.bmj.com/content/33/3/385 (date of access: 13.09.2024).
Ovarian Cancer Statistics | How Common is Ovarian Cancer. Information and Resources about Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin | American Cancer Society. URL: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/about/key-statistics.html (date of access: 13.09.2024).
Risk of Gynecological Cancers in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Pathophysiology of Association. PubMed Central (PMC). URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10164440/ (date of access: 13.09.2024).
[Table], Table. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Peritoneal Cancer Staging System - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. National Center for Biotechnology Information. URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567760/table/article-95586.table1/?report=objectonly (date of access: 13.09.2024).
Kassel G. Which Way Does Ovarian Cancer Tend to Spread?. Healthline. URL: https://www.healthline.com/health/which-way-does-ovarian-cancer-tend-to-spread (date of access: 13.09.2024).