When you first learn you have ovarian cancer, you may be surprised to hear that the story of your diagnosis doesn’t stop there. It isn’t a “positive” or “negative” result. Rather, your doctor will likely describe what type of ovarian cancer you have.
“Ovarian cancer” is an umbrella term for several different types of cancers that start in the ovaries. Each one is different from the next, varying in how it develops, the symptoms it presents, how it’s treated, and more. That makes ovarian cancer, in general, a very complex disease.
Despite its complexities, it’s important to understand your specific type of ovarian cancer so you can better cope with the situation and have an idea of what to expect moving forward. So, let’s explore the different primary types of ovarian cancer, including common symptoms, prognoses, and treatment options.
As you learn about your testing and treatment options, it’s also important to know that some cases of ovarian cancer have been linked to the use of talcum powder products, including Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder.
A recent scientific review confirmed that some women who used talc-based products faced nearly 3X the risk of developing ovarian cancer. After years of growing evidence, multiple multimillion-dollar awards have already been secured for women with ovarian cancer.
Join the Many has helped thousands of women and their families explore whether they may qualify for compensation.
If you used talc-based baby powder, you may want to find out if this applies to you. It’s easy to start — just answer two quick questions, and a Join the Many specialist will reach out to guide you through your options.
There’s no cost and no obligation. It’s simply a way to make sure you’re informed about every resource that could help you.
Ovarian cancer can be very hard to detect in the early stages. There may be no obvious symptoms at all. However, in more advanced stages, there are several common symptoms and signs. These may include:
As you can tell, these are very generic symptoms. They can be caused by a number of other conditions that are much more common than ovarian cancer. However, if these symptoms are new, persist for more than a few weeks, or worsen over time, your doctor needs to hear about them. Early detection of ovarian cancer greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.
Once your doctor has evaluated your symptoms and suspects ovarian cancer could be the culprit, it’s time to begin testing. This may involve multiple stages.
First, you may undergo a pelvic examination to check for signs of ovarian cancer, like an enlarged ovary or fluid in the abdomen. If your doctor finds any issues, she may order further testing, like an ultrasound or CT scan to get a visual of your ovaries in greater detail.
If the scans raise concern, you may need to undergo a blood test to screen for biomarkers that suggest the presence of ovarian cancer cells. Your doctor will be looking for elevated levels of a specific antigen: CA-125.
However, other conditions can cause high levels of this same antigen. So, your doctor will likely want to move on to a test that will provide a definitive answer: a biopsy.
During a biopsy, a sample of tissue or fluid is removed from the suspected affected area and examined under a microscope. Typically, this is a surgical procedure performed by a gynecologic oncologist, a doctor specializing in treating female reproductive cancers.
Don’t worry—this isn’t a major surgery. You’ll probably be given a local anesthetic, and the biopsy can be carried out using a one- to two-inch needle. It usually only takes between 10-30 minutes and should be completely painless.
You shouldn’t have to wait long for ovarian cancer biopsy results. They could be ready in as little as two to ten days, depending on demand and your chosen healthcare provider.
Waiting for test results can be a very stressful experience, even if it’s only a few days. It’s understandable to feel helpless during a period of uncertainty when the outcome is so unknowable, yet so important. Here are a few strategies to cope while you wait:
Physical activity can help manage anxiety. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or any other form of exercise you enjoy, staying active can help take your mind off the test results.
Mindfulness and meditation can help you stay grounded in the present moment and keep your mind from spiraling into worry. Apps and online tutorials can guide you through this process if you’re new to it.
Share your worries and concerns with trusted friends or family. Speaking about what you’re going through can provide comfort. Support groups, whether in-person or online, can also be beneficial.
It’s easy to fall into a rabbit hole of information, which might only heighten your anxiety. Try to limit your internet research and rely on credible sources when needed.
If your anxiety feels overwhelming, consider speaking with a mental health professional. They can provide strategies to help manage your anxiety effectively.
Make sure to prioritize sleep, eat a healthy diet, and do activities you enjoy to lift your spirits.
When the waiting is done, you’ll receive your diagnosis. As with most conditions, it’s not so simple as a “positive” or “negative” result. If you do have ovarian cancer, there are several possible categories it can fall under:
This means that a growth is present, but it’s not cancerous. These tumors don’t spread to other parts of the body and are usually not life-threatening.
These are abnormal cells that aren’t quite cancerous, but are a little more serious than benign tumors. They’re typically confined to the ovary and can be treated effectively with surgery.
This is when cancerous cells are found in the ovary. The cancer can spread to other parts of the body if not treated. It can be further classified based on the stage and grade of the cancer:
In addition to these, there are different types of ovarian cancer, such as epithelial ovarian cancer, germ cell cancer, and stromal cell cancer, each of which has different implications for treatment and prognosis. We’ve created an article to talk through these different varieties and what they mean.
As your doctor tells you about your diagnosis, don’t hold back from asking questions and getting clarification on details that aren’t clear to you. The better you understand your diagnosis, the better you’ll understand your treatment options.
Once a diagnosis of ovarian cancer is confirmed, the focus shifts to the ovarian cancer treatment stage. Your treatment plan is tailored to you based on several factors, including the type and stage of ovarian cancer, your overall health, and even your personal preferences.
It’s likely your doctor will want to begin with surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. This may involve removing one or both ovaries, fallopian tubes, the uterus, adjacent lymph nodes, and other abdominal tissues where the cancer might have spread.
Following surgery, most women will undergo chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill the remaining cancer cells. Depending on the stage and type of cancer, some women might receive chemotherapy before surgery.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common treatments you might receive:
Your doctor will guide you in deciding on the best treatment course for your situation, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
The timeline from testing to treatment varies, but typically spans several weeks. Treatment will last as long as it needs to. After treatment, you should continue with regular follow-up visits to monitor for signs that your cancer is returning.
As you treat your ovarian cancer, it’s a good time to start adopting some positive habits. Lifestyle changes of all sizes can help maximize your treatment’s chance of success.
Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet can help keep the body strong and aid in recovery. Talk to a dietitian who can tell you more about what to eat during and after treatment.
Regular exercise can help maintain strength, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what sort of activity is safe for you, and how much.
It’s very important to stick to your treatment plan exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Attend all your appointments, take medications as instructed, and tell your doctor about any side effects or other concerns.
Joining a support group, speaking with a counselor, or confiding in loved ones can help deal with the emotional stress of a cancer diagnosis.
If you smoke or drink, now is the perfect time to cut back or stop. Both activities can weaken the immune system and make treatment less effective.
Good sleep is essential for recovery and healing. Your illness and treatments can make it hard to sleep at night, so don’t feel bad about taking naps during the day.
Drinking plenty of fluids can help manage some side effects of treatment.
Don’t miss a follow-up visit with your doctor if you can help it. Properly monitoring your health means you’ll be able to spot any changes early. That will give your doctor plenty of time to adjust your treatment, if necessary.
Learn as much as possible about your condition. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll be about making decisions about your care. Ask your doctor about trusted resources you can use to learn more.
Cancer treatments and responses vary greatly from person to person. These behaviors won’t guarantee a specific outcome, but they won’t make your situation worse either.
When your first round of treatment is finished, your doctor will run some tests to see how effective it was. If there are no signs of cancer—congratulations! You’re in remission. Remember to attend regular follow-up visits with your doctor to monitor for any signs of recurrence.
If the treatment wasn’t successful, you’ll discuss possible alternatives with your doctor and decide on a new plan. If this happens, don’t give up hope. There are multiple paths to recovery from ovarian cancer, so let yourself be open to them.
You’ve already faced so much on this journey—taking care of your health, managing treatments, and staying informed.
The good news is you don’t have to choose between focusing on your recovery and protecting your rights. You can do both.
Exploring whether talcum powder may have contributed to your ovarian cancer is another way you can protect yourself — and it won’t interfere with your treatment or your healing process.
Thousands of women have already taken this step through Join the Many — and they’ve done so without adding stress, cost, or complexity to their care journey.
However, it’s essential to note that deadlines apply, and the opportunity to take this step may not be available indefinitely.
You can take this step today, while continuing to focus on your health. Just answer two quick questions to get started. A Join the Many specialist will follow up to guide you with no cost and no obligation.
Protect your future — without sacrificing your present.
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