Ovarian Cancer Treatment Center
Why Choose Us
The Ovarian Cancer program at the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute, offers access to one of the largest gynecologic oncology groups in the state, comprised of an experienced team of physicians and other medical professionals who provide a full-range of state-of-the-art techniques to treat ovarian cancer.
The Gynecologic Oncology program offers patients with ovarian cancer access to promising clinical trials, innovative research, and minimally invasive and robotic surgery when appropriate. The smaller incisions made with minimally invasive and robotic techniques have many benefits including increased safety, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in an ovary.
Women have two ovaries, where eggs are made and also where most of women’s
hormones are made as well.
Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women and causes more
deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system, according
to the American Cancer Society. About 22,000 women in the United States
will be diagnosed with the disease this year. The risk of getting ovarian
cancer during a woman's lifetime is about 1 in 71, and the risk of dying
from it is 1 in 95.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of ovarian cancer may be different for each woman and because the ovaries are located near the bladder and the intestines, gastrointestinal symptoms often occur. Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Persistent abdominal bloating
- Indigestion or nausea
- Changes in appetite, often a loss of appetite or feeling full sooner
- Feelings of pressure in the pelvis or lower back
- Frequent urination
- Changes in bowel movements
- Feeling tired or low energy
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Your specific treatment for ovarian cancer is determined by your doctor, based on your age, health, medical history, as well as your diagnosis and tolerance for specific procedures. Our all-star team of experts provides the full spectrum of care for ovarian cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments. Our multidisciplinary teams use state-of-the art analysis to customize individualized treatment plans and cancer therapies for patients with gynecologic malignancies, including ovarian cancer. Treatment options for ovarian cancer available at the Steeplechase Cancer Center include:
- Laparoscopic ovarian surgery
- Gynecologic ultrasound
- Same-day surgery for hysterectomy patients
For some women with ovarian cancer, treatment may remove or destroy the cancer, but for others the cancer never goes away completely. We understand that learning to live with cancer can be difficult and very stressful, so the program offers support groups and a gynecologic oncologist board-certified in palliative medicine and hospice care to patients who are dealing with that uncertainty.
