Ovarian Cancer Treatment: Getting a Second Opinion

Before starting ovarian cancer treatment, you might want a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Many insurance companies cover a second opinion if you or your doctor requests it. It may take some time and effort to gather medical records and arrange to see another doctor. You may have to gather your biopsy slides, pathology reports, and proposed ovarian cancer treatment plan. Usually, it is not a problem to take several weeks to get a second opinion. In most cases, the delay in starting ovarian cancer treatment will not make treatment less effective. To make sure, however, you should discuss this delay with your doctor. Some women with ovarian cancer need treatment right away.

 

Types of Ovarian Cancer Treatment

As mentioned, ovarian cancer treatment options include:

 

Many women receive more than one type of ovarian cancer treatment. Some of these treatments are considered primary, where the purpose is to remove the tumor. Others are considered adjuvant therapy, which is treatment given to kill any tumor cells that may have spread and to increase the chances for an ovarian cancer cure.

 

Your doctor can describe your ovarian cancer treatment choices and the expected results of each. You might want to know how treatment may change your normal activities. You may want to know how you will look during and after treatment. It's important to ask all the questions you can think of.