Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Carolyn McCourt, MD

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Bloating, change in bowel or bladder habits, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly can all be symptoms of ovarian cancer. If women are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they occur on a daily basis for two to three weeks, we encourage them to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
If symptoms of ovarian cancer are present, your provider — typically a gynecologist — will likely perform a pelvic exam first. This may be followed by an imaging test such as an ultrasound or CT scan. A diagnosis of ovarian cancer is often made through surgery, after a mass has been removed and studied by a pathologist.

What is the treatment for ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. However, other treatments have recently been discovered through research. These can include immunotherapy or targeted therapies. When a woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it’s important a gynecologic oncologist be involved in her care. Gynecologic oncologists specialize in female-specific cancers and are trained in both surgery and chemotherapy administration. This allows them to care for women throughout their entire treatment journey.

Siteman Cancer Center recently added a gynecologic oncology program to its satellite location at
Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. Referrals to a gynecologic oncologist can be made by a
gynecologist, primary care physician or another oncologist.

Carolyn McCourt, MD, is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology for the Division of
Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine. She is also a gynecologic
oncologist who sees patients at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. To
learn more, visit BJCStCharlesCounty.org or call 314.996.6075.

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