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Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer refers to cancers that arise in the ovary, the fallopian tube, or the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen); these epithelial cancers form in similar tissues and are staged and treated in similar ways. Most ovarian cancers are epithelial; less common types include germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumors, which have distinct behaviors and treatments.  

Understanding Where These Cancers Start 

  • Epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers arise from closely related tissues and are managed with a unified approach.  
  • Germ cell tumors (from egg-forming cells) and sex cord-stromal tumors (from hormone producing/support cells) are rarer and often occur at younger ages, with treatment and fertility considerations that differ from epithelial cancers.  

Signs & Symptoms

Ovarian cancer can be hard to detect early because symptoms are often vague, but common ones include: 

  • Bloating
  • Pelvic/abdominal pain or pressure
  • Feeling full quickly
  • Change in bowel or bladder habits
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Abnormal bleeding after menopause.  

If these symptoms are new, persistent, or worsening, talk with your clinician—especially if you have risk factors or a strong family history.  

Risk Factors

  • Inherited gene changes (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2, Lynch syndrome) significantly increase risk; genetic counseling/testing helps guide prevention and treatment for patients and at risk relatives.  
  • Other factors vary by individual; your care team can review personal and family history to tailor recommendations.  

Screening & Risk Reduction 

  • There is no routine, effective screening test for average-risk people; CA125 and transvaginal ultrasound are not recommended for general screening due to potential harms.  
  • For high-risk individuals (e.g., confirmed BRCA), strategies may include risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy at appropriate ages and personalized surveillance plans.  
  • Discuss oral contraceptives, childbearing plans, and opportunistic salpingectomy (removal of fallopian tubes during other pelvic surgery) with your clinician to understand pros/cons for risk reduction in your situation.  

Diagnosis

Evaluation typically involves: 

and blood work (including CA125 in appropriate contexts).  

(CT/MRI) to define extent of disease.

(or image guided biopsy in select situations) for definitive diagnosis and surgical staging of epithelial cancers. 

Staging 

Ovarian/fallopian/peritoneal cancers use FIGO surgical staging (I–IV) based on where cancer has spread and whether disease remains after surgery; stage helps guide chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and maintenance decisions.  

Treatment Options 

Your plan is tailored to cancer type, stage, tumor biology (e.g., BRCA/HRD status), overall health, and goals—delivered by a multidisciplinary team (gynecologic oncology surgery, medical oncology, genetics, pathology, radiology, supportive care). 

Epithelial Ovarian/Fallopian/Primary Peritoneal Cancers 

Surgery 

Primary cytoreductive surgery (debulking) to remove visible disease where feasible; in some cases, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given first, followed by interval debulking.  

Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapy 

  • Platinumbased chemotherapy is standard after surgery or before/after interval surgery.  
  • Targeted agents (e.g., PARP inhibitors for select patients, bevacizumab in specific settings) and maintenance therapy are considered based on BRCA/HRD status, response to platinum, and tolerance.  

Maintenance & Biomarker Testing

After initial therapy, maintenance options may extend remission, especially in BRCA-mutated or HRD-positive disease; your team will discuss benefits/risks and testing needed to guide choices.  

Less Common Ovarian Tumors 

Germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumors may be treated with fertility-sparing surgery and tailored chemotherapy, depending on stage and subtype.  

Your Illinois CancerCare physician will explain the rationale, benefits, and potential side effects of each approach—and whether a clinical trial could be right for you at any treatment stage.

Prognosis

Outcomes depend on stage/debulking results, tumor subtype, molecular features (e.g., BRCA/HRD), response to therapy, and overall health. With modern surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted maintenance strategies, many people achieve durable control—your doctor will put the numbers into context for you.  

Follow-Up & Survivorship 

Follow-up typically includes: 

  • Regular visits and symptom review; CA125 monitoring and imaging when appropriate for your tumor type and treatment history.  
  • Management of treatment effects (e.g., fatigue, neuropathy), bone/heart health, sexual health, and menopausal symptoms; supportive therapies and referrals as needed.  
  • Guidance on genetic risk for relatives and family planning resources.  

Why Choose Illinois CancerCare

  • Gynecologic oncology–led care with coordinated surgery, systemic therapy, genetics, and supportive services—close to home.  
  • Genetic counseling/testing integrated into care, aligned with NCI guidance, to inform prevention and treatment.  
  • Clinical trials access and referral pathways guided by current NCCN/NCI recommendations. Current Clinical Trials – Illinois CancerCare

Sources & Patient Friendly References

All information was taken from the NCI (National Cancer Institute) and ACS (American Cancer Society).