Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Israel

Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries. The tumor’s characteristics will depend on which of the three different types of cells present in the ovaries the type it develops from (epithelial, germ cell or stromal).

When found early, it can often be successfully treated. The disease can be diagnosed by means of a PAP-smear.

Ovarian cancer risk factors and symptoms

Risks include age, taking hormone therapy, obesity, family history of breast, colorectal or cervical cancer, BRCA mutations, and smoking. The disease’s most common symptoms are pelvic/lower back pain and bloating, loss of appetite, frequent urination, constipation, tiredness, and menstrual cycle changes.

Treatment Program

Screening

• Full blood tests (biochemistry, electrolytes, coagulation profile, sex hormones, tumor markers)
• PET CT (to rule out mets into other organs and/or skeletal system)
• Revision of existing biopsy
• US Doppler scan of the reproductive tract
• Gynecological oncologist’s consultation

Therapy

In case the diagnosis is confirmed, there are two treatment options:

• Surgery followed by six courses of chemotherapy
• Three chemotherapy cycles followed by surgery and three further chemo cycles.

The decision is made by the treating gynecological oncologist.

Routinely the surgery performed is a radical hysterectomy with BSO (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). Sometimes and omentectomy is also indicated. The cost of the operation includes four days of hospitalization, as well as express biopsy and final histopathology.