UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Ovarian cancer is rare — just 12 out of every 100,000 women are diagnosed with the disease each year. While the median age is 63, young women also can be affected, especially if they have an inherited susceptibility to develop cancer or if they develop a borderline tumor.

The term ovarian cancer applies to three related cancers based on the probable site of origin: fallopian tube, peritoneal (the lining of the abdominal cavity) and ovary.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are subtle and nonspecific. In many cases, symptoms go unnoticed until the disease has spread. 

Symptoms may include:

  • Bladder pressure, frequent urination 
  • Difficulty eating; feeling full 
  • Fatigue
  • Gas, bloating or bowel changes that include constipation and diarrhea
  • Persistent pelvic, abdominal or back pain
  • Swelling in the abdomen
  • Weight loss
  • Leg swelling

If you have symptoms of ovarian cancer, experts at UChicago Medicine can help.

Find an Ovarian Cancer Specialist 

Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis Process

In addition to taking your medical and family history, our team uses a combination of tests to diagnose ovarian cancer. Some tests you may have include:

  • Pelvic exam: During this exam, your provider will insert a finger inside your vagina and press down gently on your abdomen to feel your ovaries.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound: This imaging procedure uses sound waves to detect tumors in the ovaries. During this procedure, your provider will insert a long, thin ultrasound wand into your vagina.
  • Blood tests: These tests can check for high levels of tumor markers like CA-125, a protein associated with ovarian cancer.
  • Genetic testing: These blood or saliva tests check for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are linked to hereditary ovarian and breast cancer.
  • Biopsy: A biopsy is the only test that can confirm you have ovarian cancer. Our pathologists — nationally known experts in gynecologic pathology — examine biopsied tumor cells under high-resolution microscopes to determine the correct diagnosis, which will then guide treatment. Different types of biopsies include:
    • Surgical biopsy, in which a surgeon takes a sample of the tumor during minimally invasive or traditional (open) surgery. This type of biopsy is also used to stage cancer. It may be performed at the same time as treatment to “debulk” an ovarian tumor.
    • Needle biopsy, in which an interventional radiologist removes tissue from a tumor using a needle and image guidance, such as an ultrasound. This type of biopsy is less common than surgical biopsy for ovarian tumors.

Advanced Imaging

After an ovarian cancer diagnosis, additional imaging tests may be recommended to determine spread of the disease. Advanced capabilities at UChicago Medicine include:

Expert radiologists with extensive experience in reading these imaging studies meet with the gynecologic oncology team at our weekly multidisciplinary tumor board conference to help determine if surgery or chemotherapy are best initially.

Before Treatment

Before beginning ovarian cancer treatment, our coordinator will walk you through the assessment process and help you with the following:

  • Obtaining important records, especially laboratory results, X-ray and imaging scans and pathology slides
  • Coordinating studies and result notification
  • Coordinating surgery
  • Providing expert referrals to other services, such as surgical oncology, urology and plastic surgery
  • Providing educational information about surgery
  • Communicating with referring physicians
  • Obtaining psychosocial and emotional support
  • Coordinating translation services to ensure patients and their families are adequately informed

The most important part of your visit to UChicago Medicine is your interaction with our team. We will take the time to meet with you and your family to discuss the next steps in your treatment. Because we believe that close communication among all caregivers is essential to successful treatment, we collaborate closely with your primary and referring physicians throughout your treatment.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment Options

UChicago Medicine doctors have the necessary expertise to design the best treatment plans for ovarian cancer. Here, every patient’s case is reviewed at the multidisciplinary Gynecologic Oncology Tumor Board. This meeting brings together physicians in gynecologic oncology, medical oncology, pathology and radiology to evaluate cases. Together, we discuss treatment options and plan the most effective course of treatment for each patient, which may include a discussion about clinical trials.

Ovarian cancer treatment depends on the histology (microscopic structure of the tumor cells), grade of the tumor and the location (stage) of the disease. Initial treatment usually involves surgery or chemotherapy. In all cases, we take an aggressive approach to treating ovarian cancer, tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

As a Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute, we offer the most advanced treatments for ovarian cancer.

Find an Ovarian Cancer Specialist

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Helpful Information About Ovarian Cancer

UChicago Medicine gynecologic oncologist Nita Lee, MD, MPH, is featured in several informational videos on the You and Ovarian Cancer website created by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. The videos cover a range of topics and include patient interviews about living with ovarian cancer.

View videos and animations about ovarian cancer

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.
S. Diane Yamada, MD, and Ernst Lengyel, MD, gynecologic oncologists

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