Dr. Cohen Discusses Surgery in Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer

Joshua G. Cohen, MD, assistant professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, discusses surgery in patients with early-stage ovarian cancer.

There are varying subtypes of ovarian cancer, both histologically and molecularly, that imply differing courses of treatment, says Cohen. Many women with early-stage ovarian cancer do not need to undergo chemotherapy. These women have had their lymph nodes tested, and have undergone surgical biopsies to make sure that the cancer has not spread, explains Cohen.

Based on that, physicians can focus on fertility management, as many patients with early-stage ovarian cancer are younger. It gives these patients a unique opportunity to maintain their hormonal function, as well as possibly have children in the future.

There has been some controversy surrounding the idea of minimally-invasive surgery for early-stage ovarian cancer, Cohen says. Additionally, there is a new staging system, which some believe may impact how patients with ovarian cancer are managed.