Followup Care After Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Followup care after
ovarian cancer treatment is important. Regular checkups generally include a physical exam, a pelvic exam, and a Pap smear. The doctor may also perform additional tests, such as:
- Chest x-ray
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Urinalysis
- Complete blood count
- CA-125 assay.
In addition to having followup exams to check for the return of ovarian cancer, patients may want to ask their doctor about being checked for other types of cancer. Women who have had ovarian cancer may be at increased risk of developing breast or
colon cancer. In addition, treatment with certain anticancer drugs may increase the risk of second cancers, such as
leukemia.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment: A Summary
There are many ovarian cancer treatment options, depending on a number of important factors, such as the stage and type of ovarian cancer. Remember, there is no single ovarian cancer treatment that is "right" for all women. New treatments are available today that were not even imagined a few years ago, and medical researchers continue to find better ways to treat ovarian cancer.
You can always ask more than one doctor about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Your doctor can help you arrange an appointment with another specialist. Many health insurance companies pay for second -- and even third -- opinions.
Most important, you should never be afraid to ask questions or to ask people to repeat information or instructions. There are no "dumb" questions when you are faced with cancer. When you know what to expect, you will feel more in control of your life.
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