Ovarian cancer is the growth of malignant cancerous cells in either one or both the ovaries. The ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system and each of the two is present on either side of the uterus.

For treating cancer, one or more from the main treatments for ovarian cancer options may be considered as each case is different. The goal of the treatment is to completely remove cancerous cells. In certain cases, complete removal may not be possible at times. In such cases, the treatment options selected will focus on making one live comfortably with the condition and extend life as much as possible.

The main treatments for ovarian cancer involve surgery, systemic therapy, and/or radiation therapy. Almost all ovarian cancer patients have to undergo systemic treatment and surgery. The aim of surgery in the preliminary management of cancer is to take a sample for biopsy, confirm the diagnosis, determine the stages, and provide local treatment while identifying the future course of action.

Out of the main treatments for ovarian cancer, the chosen surgical option will be determined by the stage of the cancer and other factors such as age, overall health, and the desire to have children in the future. Two or more procedures may be performed during the same surgery. The surgical options for treating ovarian cancer are:

• Salpingo-oophorectomy
  It is called bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy if both the ovaries and both the fallopian tubes are removed. It is called unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy when one ovary and one fallopian tube is removed. This is possible only when the cancer is only located in one ovary and is also at an early stage. In this case, the woman can become pregnant.
• Hysterectomy
  It is called partial hysterectomy when the uterus and surrounding tissues are removed. It is total hysterectomy when the cervix and uterus are removed.
• Lymph node dissection
  It is the removal of lymph nodes from the pelvis around the ovaries, the womb, and areas like the abdomen. It is also called lymphadenectomy.
• Omentectomy
  It is the removal of the tissue that is the external lining of the intestines and stomach. The fatty tissues called omentum are removed from the areas that are close to ovaries.
• Debulking surgery
  It is used to remove as much cancerous growth as possible. This surgery is carried out when the cancer has become metastatic. It is also called as cytoreductive as tissues are removed from surrounding organs. It helps in making other procedures such as chemotherapy more effective. It also helps to reduce discomfort and improves the patient’s condition. In some cases, chemotherapy is used before debulking to reduce the size of the tumor. It is then called as interval debulking surgery.

Surgical options for treating ovarian cancer cover the main treatments for ovarian cancer. It is done in two ways: laparotomy where an incision is used to open the abdomen or laparoscopy where minute incisions are done in the abdomen. The final approach for the patient can be recommended by their oncologist after considering various factors and their condition.