Ovarian Cancer Treatment at Jefferson
The symptoms of ovarian cancer – such as feeling swollen or bloated, discomfort in the lower abdomen and bleeding from the vagina – typically appear once the cancer is in the advanced stages. Early detection through regular Pap tests and pelvic exams may be helpful in catching this disease in the early stages, when treatment can be most effective.
If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you want treatment from a hospital that specializes in cancer care – specifically gynecologic cancers. For that reason, you can feel confident that the experienced team at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson and our gynecologic oncologists can carefully guide you through available treatment options that address all your medical, emotional and spiritual needs.
The Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center. The NCI applies this special designation only to regional referral centers with a high level of clinical services and participation in national clinical trials. This special status as a national center testifies to the work of our basic and clinical scientists and physician researchers, who are on the forefront of advances against cancer.
As one of only six cancer centers in the nation designated a Center of Excellence by Fertile Hope, Jefferson provides reproductive support to cancer patients and survivors whose cancer treatment may pose risks to fertility.
Bringing together the expertise of Jefferson oncologists, radiation oncologists, gynecologists, radiologists and other specialists, your medical team will give a thorough evaluation and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on the nature and extent of your cancer.
Treatment for ovarian cancer usually requires surgery. Because of the complex nature of this surgery, it requires the specialized expertise possessed by Jefferson gynecologic surgeons, who have successfully treated many ovarian cancer patients. In many cases, the surgeon will remove both ovaries, the uterus, fallopian tubes and nearby lymph glands as a precautionary measure or because the cancer has spread.
The Center's physicians and scientists have helped pioneer new approaches to cancer treatment by translating scientific discoveries into improved patient care. Our physicians are experienced in using the most advanced treatment methods and technologies and are at the forefront of developing new chemotherapies. Jefferson is also home to the region's busiest radiation oncology center and one of the largest programs for cancer treatment in the Delaware Valley.
Additionally, we will provide you and your family a support network that includes specially trained nurses, educators, fellow patients and cancer survivors. Among the wide variety of support programs offered at Jefferson is our Buddy Program, which matches cancer patients with trained volunteer cancer survivors who have been through treatment themselves. These volunteers provide one-on-one support either over the telephone or on-site in the waiting area at the Bodine Center for Radiation Therapy/Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson. You can also access services to meet your emotional and psychological needs during your course of treatment through the Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center for Integrative Medicine.