After an ovarian cancer diagnosis, surgery tends to be the first treatment step. For some women, however, doctors may prescribe chemotherapy before surgery (an approach called “neoadjuvant chemotherapy.” According to Dr. Dennis DeSimone of Zangmeister cancer center, chemo before surgery is usually best for the following situations:
- When women may not be able to tolerate an operation due to age or other medical conditions
- When the ovarian cancer has spread widely beyond the ovaries
If, on the other hand, a doctor is confident that he or she can remove the ovarian cancer surgically without initial cycles of chemotherapy, this doctor will go ahead with a surgical procedure designed to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible.
Read MoreAccording to Dr. DeSimone, in deciding which should come first — chemotherapy or surgery — doctors often turn to imaging tests such as CT scans or something called a diagnostic laparoscopy, during which a doctor inserts a camera directly into the abdomen. Doctors will also take into account a woman’s age, strength, and other medical conditions.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.