Ovarian Cancer

Ascites in Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My sister has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She recently under went surgery to remove a massive tumor four liters of fluid were removed. She remains very bloated with what the doctors call "ascites" What is...
Birth control pills may lower your risk for ovarian cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother died of ovarian cancer so as a precaution my gynecologist placed me on birth control pills. I am 48 and have not gone through menopause. With all the news about estrogen being a link to breast and ovarian...
BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing for Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother had ovarian cancer at the age of 50, I am now 49 and of Jewish heritage. It seems that the genetic testing is no longer easily accessible. How would I go about getting genetic testing? Stephen C. Rubin,...
Chemoresistance in ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have been fighting primary peritoneal cancer for 4 1/2 years with suboptimal debulking and continued chemotherapy. I had one 9 month remission in the beginning. At this point all the chemotherapies we have tried...
Chemotherapy After Debulking Surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Following debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer, how soon should chemotherapy be commenced? Does early commencement compromise wound healing? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of...
Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer Prognosis Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Three years ago I was diagnosed with early stage Ovarian Cancer (Clear Cell) at the age of 32. Had chemo and surgery. I would like to adopt a child in a couple of years but I'm afraid I won't have a normal life...
Clinical Trials for Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Do you have any information as to how I can be involved in the latest trials for ovarian cancer? My mother died 2 years ago with the disease and would therefore like to refer myself onto a screening program....
Consolidation Therapy for Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have Stage IIIC ovarian cancer, had optimal debulking and then 9 rounds of IV/IP carbo/Taxol, the first three of which were all IV due to port problems. The oncologist is asking me to consider 24 weekly IV...
Consolidation therapy for ovarian cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My sister-in-law has stage 3c ovarian cancer. She has had surgical debulking and is now undergoing 6 carbo/taxol cycles. Do you have an opinion on consolidation therapy? I know it's controversial but could you...
Does arthritis elevate CA-125 Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Two years ago my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She underwent a course of chemo, had surgery to remove the tumor, and underwent a second round of chemo. She now has osteoarthritis in her hip and her...
Doxil and Leg Pain Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mom has recurrent ovarian cancer. When the cancer recurred, she was put on Topotecan, which kept her CA125 down for several months. When it started to creep back up she was put on Gemzar for two treatments, which...
Elevated CA125 after ovarian cancer treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," In 1986 I had ovarian cancer with total removal of ovaries and uterus. For 15 years, the CA125 test has been part of my physical. It has been normal until this year and is now elevated. Simultaneously, I...
Elevated CA125 Level and Tamoxifen I am a 48-year-old ovarian cancer survivor. It is my fifth year of no recurrences. I have been having elevated CA 125 results. All diagnostic imaging comes back negative. My doctor wants me to start taking Tamoxifen, to lower the CA 125. I am...
Family history of ovarian cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have a family history of ovarian cancer from both my mother and maternal grandmother I am frightened of getting cancer too. What can I do to make sure that if I detect it early enough to be treatable?...
Fertility drugs and borderline ovarian cancers Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was recently diagnosed and treated for borderline ovarian cancer. I am 47 years old and was told by my gynecologist oncologist that this tumor (mucinous) probably arose due to the ferility drug (clomid) I was...
Follow up care after treatment for Borderline Mucinous Ovarian Tumor Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My Mom is 58 years old, postmenopausal. She was diagnosed with Borderline Mucinous Ovarian Tumor (stage IC) last April. She had a surgery to remove uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and part of omentum,...
Follow Up for Primary Peritoneal Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a Primary Peritoneal Cancer survivor (19 months in remission). I want to know which is best to have, CT scan or PET scan to check for recurrence of disease? Also if recurrence does occur, is it possible to have...
Follow Up With no CA125 Elevation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had ovarian cancer 10 years ago. My CA-125 was never elevated and the cancer was found during a hysterectomy for other reasons. How can I be sure I haven't developed a recurrence, as I am having similar symptoms to...
Gemcitabine for the treatment of ovarian cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Have you or any of your colleagues used Gemzar in the treatment of ovarian cancer? I would like to know of any stats on the success of this chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Christina S. Chu, MD,...
Genetic link for Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Please can you tell me if there is a known genetic link for ovarian cancer? My daughter- in-law is concerned because her mother died with the disease. She lives in the UK. Is there any way of calculating the...
Hormone Therapy after Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 44 years old, and a 2-year survivor of Stage 1, grade 3 epithelial ovarian cancer (sporadic, as opposed to hereditary). You wrote that hormone replacement therapy does not increase the risk for ovarian cancer,...
Malignant granulosa cell tumor Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My 8-year-old daughter had a malignant granulosa cell tumor removed. I cannot find a doctor who has experience dealing with this type of ovarian cancer in children. I want to have a treatment plan in place in case...
Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor (MMMT) of the Ovary Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother (63 y.o.) was recently diagnosed with a multi-mullerian ovarian tumor. She had a complete hysterectomy and 21 biopsies. The tumor was on her right ovary and spread to her fallopian tube. She is staged at...
Monoclonal Antibodies for Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother has had her first recurrence of ovarian cancer. I am trying to research the latest evidence for success with therapies using monoclonal antibodies. Can you tell me what the most recent evidence is or what...
Normal CA-125 with Recurrence Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Have you heard of anyone getting a recurrence [of ovarian cancer] despite having normal serum levels of CA-125? In other words, is the following possible: a patient has an elevated CA-125 before initial surgery, goes...
Occurrence and Recommended Treatment of Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I had a total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingioopherectomy, pelvic and peri-aotic lymph node dissection last year for left low malignant potential ovarian tumor. About 3 months after surgery I...
OncoGel and Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Do you have any knowledge or experience with use of OncoGel to deliver paclitaxel directly into ovarian cancer masses? I have recurrent disease. Thank you.Stephen C. Rubin, MD, Professor and Chief of the Division of...
Oopherectomy I have recently tested positive for BRCA1 gene. My mother died of ovarian cancer 13 years ago at age 57. Although I am healthy, preventive oopherectomy has been advised. I am 49 yo, and perimenopausal. I have had regular CA 125 and ultrasound...
Ovarian cancer detection Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What are the tests for ovarian cancer? I have a regular yearly check up with Pap smear and I understand that ovarian cancer will not show up on this test. I have had several tests done for loss of appetite and...
Ovarian Cancer Recurrence Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I've never really understood how or why my ovarian cancer could come back, but I'm well aware of the risk. I've had a negative second look and am in remission. Is recurrence due to undetected cancer being left behind,...
Ovarian Cancer Surveillance Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a 33-year-old female and have had treatment for CIN1 cells, which affected 3/4 of my cervix. I also have had my mother and grandmother die from ovarian cancer. I have been advised that I should have DNA testing...
Ovarian cancers of low malignant potential Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a 34 year old who has just been diagnosed with borderline malignancy tumor of the ovaries. I am getting married in 3 weeks and while this is very overwhelming I am concerned with my potential to have...
Ovarian Mass Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a predominately healthy 37 year old woman with two children, no recent birth control pill use and had a grandmother die with colon cancer. I've been scheduled for laparoscopy to remove a tumor on my left ovary...
Ovarian Tumor With Low Malignant Potential Please send me any information you may have an ovarian tumor with low malignant potential. I am confused about this type cancer. My doctors disagree on whether or not it is actually a cancer. Any information would be appreciated. Thank...
PET/CT for Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with fallopian cancer January 2006 had surgery and 6 chemo treatments ending July 2006. My Gynecologic Oncologist ordered a PET/CT in February 2007. My insurance company is refusing to pay for the scan...
Possibility of ovarian cancer after removal of the ovaries Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have had a complete hysterectomy with both ovaries and uterus removed 25 years ago. Yet I am experiencing severe bloating and unexplained weight gain. I need to know if a woman can get ovarian cancer if she has had...
Premarin cream and the risk for ovarian cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife is 58 and experienced menopause 5 years ago. Her GYN suggested that she use Premarin Cream to relieve a dry vagina problem and help when we have intercourse. I have heard of a link between Premarin and...
Preventing ovarian cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is the best way to prevent ovarian cancer? I have a very high possibility of contracting it as my mother and several other close family members have died from ovarian cancer. Is it total hysterectomy...
Primary peritoneal cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mom just had a hysterectomy and we were told her diagnosis of Peritoneal Cancer mimics Ovarian Cancer. This is very rare; do you have any information about this disease? Stephen C....
Secretions and Oral Care Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My sister is in the late stages of ovarian cancer, which she has had for 5 years. She is now on TPN because she can not eat or drink. Within the last week, she has developed thick mucus that seeps from her mouth....
Standard Treatment for Advanced Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She had significant ascites, which caused her presentation to the hospital. She is to have two cycles of taxol/carbo combination and scheduled to undergo surgery...
Successful pregnancy after ovarian cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My friend had ovarian cancer when she was 16, had one tube and one ovary removed. She's 22 now and is trying for a baby, however she is concerned that her chances may be very low or non-existent. Could you tell...
Symptoms of endometriosis and ovarian cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have been researching both endometriosis and ovarian cancer. They seem like they have the same symptoms. How can you detect the difference and also do the symptoms on both appear around your cycle...
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," What are the signs of ovarian cancer? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, responds: ...
Testing for Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Would you please let me know what is the test or examination with the most accuracy to detect ovarian cancer? How efficient is the ultrasound to detect the malignancy? Thank you very much for your answer....
The most commonly used chemotherapy treatment for ovarian cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife's mother will begin chemotherapy for ovarian cancer this Thursday and is petrified of the side effects. Her oncologist is treating her every week with carboplatin and paclitaxel and has told her this will...
Treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer stage III C Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife has epithelial ovarian cancer stage III C. She underwent surgery in January 2001 and chemotherapy with the standard Carboplatin/Taxol (paclitaxel) treatment. She had a recurrence within 18 months and again...
Treatment of borderline cancers of the ovary Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," A close friend of mine was diagnosed with a Low Malignant Potential/Borderline Ovarian Tumor after a laparoscopy and had a complete hysterectomy. She has now been told that the LMP was also in the ovary, the fallopian...
Treatment of Low Malignant Potential (LMP) Ovarian Tumors I wanted to ask a question about Low Malignant Potential (LMP) ovarian tumors. I was diagnosed with an ovarian LMP Serous tumor. I know that a hysterectomy is the common treatment. My question is, given the high survival rates for this kind...
Treatment options for recurrent ovarian cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother is currently battling her 3rd recurrence of ovarian cancer. She will start "Doxil" next week. What other options do we have? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic...
Vaccines for Ovarian Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My name is Marius and I am from Romania. My girlfriend is 26 yrs old, and has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had surgery. Doctors said that the cancer is stage IIA and the cell type is G2. She has had several...
What is CA125 Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," What is CA125? CA125 is a substance which is found in very low levels in the human body. In recent years, CA125 has become a widely used tumor marker which is measured most often in...