Ovarian Cancer: Expert Diagnosis and Treatment
When your body feels off for weeks, you are not overthinking. Ovarian cancer doesn’t always show obvious warning signs, but those subtle shifts in how you feel matter.
At SSO Hospitals, our experienced oncology team offers the clarity you need. We combine advanced diagnostic testing with specialised expertise to help you face your diagnosis and move forward with a clear plan.
Overview
Ovarian cancer starts when cells in the ovaries grow out of control and form tumours. The ovaries are two small organs on either side of the uterus that produce eggs and hormones.
Cancer can start in different parts of the ovary depending on which cells turn abnormal. Where it begins affects how aggressive it is and which treatments will work best.
At SSO Hospitals, our oncology specialists identify your specific cancer type and stage through detailed evaluation. We create treatment plans based on your diagnosis, overall health, and personal preferences to make sure cancer doesn’t stop you from living your life.
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer symptoms often feel like signs of common digestive or gynaecological issues, which is why many women initially dismiss them as temporary discomfort. But if these symptoms stick around for more than a few weeks, something else might be going on.
We encourage you to pay attention to changes that don’t go away.
- Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
- Pelvic or abdominal pain that feels different from usual cramping
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly during meals
- Urgent or frequent need to urinate without infection
- Unexplained fatigue that interferes with daily activities
- Changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhoea
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, especially after menopause
Staging tells how far the cancer has moved from where it started. We review imaging scans and tissue samples to determine the stage and choose the proper treatment approach for your situation.
Stage I (Limited to the ovaries):
he cancer is only in one or both ovaries, and it hasn't moved anywhere else, giving you the best chance of cure.
Stage II (Spread within the pelvis):
It has spread to nearby areas, such as your uterus, fallopian tubes or pelvic lining. But it is still inside the lower abdomen. You'll likely need surgery and chemotherapy to treat it.
Stage III (Spread to abdomen or lymph nodes):
The tumour has reached the abdominal lining or nearby lymph nodes. This is the most common stage at diagnosis. Treatment gets more aggressive here with a combination of surgery and chemo.
Stage IV (Spread to distant organs):
The cancer has travelled to distant organs like your lungs or liver. At this advanced stage, treatment focuses on slowing it down and keeping you comfortable.
Each type of ovarian cancer behaves differently and needs a specific approach. Let's take a look at these different types:
Epithelial ovarian cancer: This is the most common type and starts in the cells covering the ovary's outer surface. It typically affects women over 50.
Germ cell tumours: These develop in the cells that produce eggs and usually occur in younger women.
Stromal tumours: These start in the cells that make hormones and can cause unusual symptoms related to hormone levels.
AWe use multiple tests to check for ovarian cancer and figure out what we're dealing with. No single test can confirm it, so we combine several approaches to get the full picture.
Pelvic examination: We check for any abnormal growths or swelling in your ovaries and surrounding areas.
Transvaginal ultrasound: This imaging test gives us a clear view of your ovaries to spot any unusual masses or fluid.
CA-125 blood test:We measure protein levels in your blood that often rise when ovarian cancer is present.
CT or MRI scans: These detailed images show us the tumour's size and whether it has spread to other organs.
Biopsy: A tissue sample confirms ovarian cancer and determines how aggressive it is. However, if scans and clinical exams show the tumor is confined to the ovaries, a biopsy typically isn't needed.
Genetic testing: AWe check for BRCA mutations and other inherited factors that might have contributed to the cancer.
Risks and Complications
The exact cause of ovarian cancer isn’t known, but certain factors can increase your chances of developing it. Some you can control, while others are related to genetics or age.
- Being over 50, especially after menopause
- Family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- Never having been pregnant or having your first child after 35
- Endometriosis or other long-term reproductive conditions
- Using hormone replacement therapy for many years
- Being overweight and not getting regular physical activity
Why choose SSO Hospitals
At SSO Hospitals, we bring together experienced oncosurgeons and support specialists who focus on ovarian cancer care. You’ll get access to advanced imaging tools, minimally invasive surgical options, and treatment plans designed specifically for your cancer type and stage.
We know cancer treatment impacts every part of your life, not just your health. Our team works to make sure you get the care you need without putting your life on hold.
Meet our Ovarian cancer specialists
World class expertise, Empathetic treatment
Dr Jayesh Gori
MBBS, MS, MCh Surgical Oncolog 10 years of experience GI cancers, colorectal cancers, gallbladder & pancreatic cancers, ovarian & uterine cancers, cervical cancer
Dr. Anuj Suketu Shah
MBBS, MS, DrNB 7 years of experience GI cancers, stomach & colon cancer, pancreatic & liver cancers, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancers
Dr. Sanket Mehta
MBBS, MS Cytoreductive Surgery | HIPEC | Laparoscopic & Robotic GI Surgery | Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery 14+ years of experience
Dr. Kamran Khan
MBBS, DNB, DrNB 30 years of experience Breast cancer, ovarian & uterine cancers, cervical cancer, stomach & colorectal cancers, oral & thyroid cancers
Dr. Vivek Sukumar
MBBS, MS, MCh Surgical Oncology 12 years of experience GI cancers, gynaecologic cancers, peritoneal surface malignancies, stomach & colorectal cancers, pancreatic & liver cancers, HIPEC/CRS
Dr. Nilesh Chordiya
MBBS, MS Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery | Oesophageal Cancer | Pancreatic Cancer | VATS 12+ years of experience
Dr. Imaan Rumani
MBBS, MS 5 years of experience Breast cancer, breast lumps, oncoplastic breast surgery, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, S-Lympha Surgery.
Meet our Ovarian cancer specialists
World class expertise, Empathetic treatment
Dr. Sanket Mehta
MBBS, MS
Cytoreductive Surgery | HIPEC | Laparoscopic & Robotic GI Surgery | Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery
14+ years of experience
Dr. Vivek Sukumar
MBBS, MS, MCh Surgical Oncology
GI Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | Peritoneal Surface Oncology | Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery
Dr. Nilesh Chordiya
MBBS, MS
Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery | Oesophageal Cancer | Pancreatic Cancer | VATS
12+ years of experience
Dr Jayesh Gori
MBBS, MS, MCh Surgical Oncolog 10 years of experience GI cancers, colorectal cancers, gallbladder & pancreatic cancers, ovarian & uterine cancers, cervical cancer
Dr. Anuj Suketu Shah
MBBS, MS, DrNB 7 years of experience GI cancers, stomach & colon cancer, pancreatic & liver cancers, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancers
Dr Kamran Khan
MBBS, DNB, DrNB 30 years of experience Breast cancer, ovarian & uterine cancers, cervical cancer, stomach & colorectal cancers, oral & thyroid cancers
Dr. Imaan Rumani
MBBS, MS 5 years of experience Breast cancer, breast lumps, oncoplastic breast surgery, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, S-Lympha Surgery.
Dr Veeresh Ireddy
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology) 7 years of experience Breast cancer, lung & esophageal cancers, ovarian & uterine cancers, stomach & colorectal cancers, pancreatic & liver cancers
Frequently asked questions
Can ovarian cancer be prevented?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent it, but staying at a healthy weight and considering genetic counselling if it runs in your family can help lower your risk.
Is ovarian cancer hereditary?
About 10-15% of ovarian cancers run in families, often linked to BRCA gene mutations that significantly increase risk.
How is ovarian cancer treated?
Treatment usually combines surgery to remove tumours with chemotherapy, and may include targeted therapy or immunotherapy depending on cancer type and stage.
What's the survival rate for ovarian cancer?
Survival depends heavily on stage at diagnosis, with early-stage detection offering significantly better outcomes than advanced-stage disease.
What our patients say about us
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