Receiving an ovarian cancer diagnosis in a family member or friend brings fear, doubts and a feeling of not knowing what to do. Here we explain which steps are worth taking at the start and how to make decisions with information.
What to do about ovarian cancer? First steps
The most important thing at the start is not to rush and to understand the situation well. In many cases, ovarian cancer is detected at advanced stages, so it is worth planning carefully from the beginning.
First steps:
- Request all medical reports (tests, biopsies, scans)
- Understand the type of tumour and the stage
- Write down questions before each appointment
- Avoid alarmist or unreliable information
“The quality of surgery is the only prognostic factor we can influence.”
Ovarian cancer symptoms you should know
Ovarian cancer can go unnoticed at first, because its symptoms are not very specific. These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but if they persist, it is important to see a doctor.
Most common symptoms:
- Persistent abdominal bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Frequent need to urinate
Ovarian cancer treatment: current options
Treatment depends on the type of tumour and its extent. The experience of the medical team counts for a lot, above all in surgery, which is one of the factors that most influence the prognosis.
Most common options:
- Surgery to remove the tumour
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapies in some cases
“80% of people who undergo surgery live better and much longer.”
“Surgery for ovarian cancer consists of a cytoreduction. Surgery performed by expert surgeons makes the patients' prognosis much better.”
“Adding HIPEC (intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) increases patients' survival in some cases.”
How to support a family member or friend with ovarian cancer
Beyond treatment, emotional support helps a great deal, and you do not need to have answers to give it. Being there is enough.
How to really help:
- Listen without judging
- Be available without intruding
- Help with daily tasks
- Go with them to important appointments
A second opinion in ovarian cancer: why it is worth asking for one
Ovarian cancer is a complex disease. That is why it is advisable to ask for a second medical opinion. In some cases, the treatment approach changes.
A second opinion allows you to:
- Confirm the diagnosis
- Assess different treatment options
- Access specialists with specific experience
- Make decisions with greater confidence
“The decision on the treatment strategy has to be made by a committee made up of different specialists in ovarian cancer.”
A second opinion at Quenet Torrent Institute
At Quenet Torrent Institute you can request a specialist second medical opinion on ovarian cancer. The team reviews your case and explains the treatment options you have.
It is best to ask for it at the beginning, before starting treatment, which is when there is most room to change the plan.
Frequently asked questions about ovarian cancer
What should I do after an ovarian cancer diagnosis?
The most important thing is to gather the medical information, understand the diagnosis well and consider a second opinion before starting treatment. It is best not to rush and to plan from the beginning.
Is it advisable to ask for a second opinion in ovarian cancer?
Yes, especially in this type of cancer. It makes it possible to confirm the diagnosis, explore treatment alternatives and access specialists with specific experience in ovarian cancer.
Can treatment change with another medical opinion?
Yes, in some cases the strategy is adjusted or different options are proposed, such as adding HIPEC or changing the order of surgery and chemotherapy.
When is HIPEC used in ovarian cancer?
HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) is added to cytoreductive surgery in selected cases with peritoneal involvement. At certain stages it can increase patients' survival.
How important is the surgeon's experience?
Very. The quality of surgery is the only prognostic factor we can influence directly. Ovarian cancer surgery performed by specialists with specific experience significantly improves the prognosis.
Conclusion: With ovarian cancer, what helps is understanding the diagnosis, supporting the person who is ill and asking for a second medical opinion before starting treatment.