Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

What are the symptoms?

Cancer of the ovaries affects more than seven thousand women in the UK annually and sadly eleven women die from the disease every day. If we catch it in the early stages, we can often cure the condition.  But, unfortunately, awareness of ovarian cancer is low and too often early signs are missed by both women and their GPs.

Being aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer you can seek help at an early stage. This, together with expert support and surgery can help improve your chances of fighting the disease.

The symptoms can be frustratingly vague and non-specific and this is especially true in the early stages of the disease. However, there are some symptoms that should be investigated:

  • Persistent abdominal pain.
  • Bloating and discomfort that doesn’t go away.
  • Feeling full more quickly when eating.
  • Changes to your normal bowel habit.
  • Needing to pass water more frequently.
  • Abdominal swelling, a lump or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen.
  • Feeling tired, weak and unwell.

The Department of Health advises that most women with gynaecological cancer should be managed by a sub-specialist team. This is backed up by the best evidence in medical literature, which shows that women with gynaecological cancer do better if managed by a gynaecological oncology accredited surgeon, compared to a general gynaecologist or a general surgeon.

The best treatment for your ovarian cancer will depend on the size of the tumour, the type of cancer you have and whether the disease has spread beyond the ovaries.  This can involve a Hysterectomy and clearance surgery, an Oophorectomy or Chemotherapy.

Mr Thomas Ind is an experienced and accredited gynaecological oncology surgeon. He leads a sensitive and supportive team of professionals. Together they will educate you about your illness, operate on your cancer, help you through your surgery, and ensure you make a safe recovery.

How can it be treated?

Services

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