The 20 Best Ovarian Cancer Doctors Near Me in Long Beach, CA

Ovarian cancer is cancer that starts in the ovaries. The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs.

Doctors who treat ovarian cancer include gynecologic oncologists, who are experts in cancers of the female reproductive system. They usually perform surgery to remove the cancer. Medical oncologists help with chemotherapy treatments, and sometimes, radiation oncologists provide radiation therapy if needed.  

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include: 

• Bloating 

• Belly, back, or pelvic pain 

• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly 

• Needing to urinate often 

• Changes in menstrual cycle 

• Being more tired than usual 

These symptoms may seem mild at first and can be easy to ignore. If these symptoms last for more than a few weeks, it’s important to talk to a doctor, especially if there’s a family history of ovarian cancer or other reproductive cancers. 

Several health conditions can mimic ovarian cancer symptoms, which can make diagnosis tricky. These include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and stomach issues like indigestion or constipation. Some women may also have conditions like endometriosis or ovarian cysts that cause similar pain and bloating. Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, it’s important to check with a doctor if they don’t go away or seem unusual. 

Doctors use several tests to diagnose ovarian cancer. First, they may do a pelvic exam to feel for lumps or changes in the ovaries. Then, an ultrasound or CT scan can give a clearer picture of what’s going on. Doctors might also check a blood test called CA-125, which can be higher in people with ovarian cancer. However, the only way to know for sure is by doing surgery or a biopsy, where a small piece of tissue is tested for cancer. 

Ovarian cancer is usually treated with a mix of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery is done to remove the cancer, which may include taking out the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. After surgery, chemotherapy is often used to remove any remaining cancer cells. Sometimes other treatments, like targeted therapy, are also part of the plan. Each treatment is chosen based on how far the cancer has spread and the patient’s overall health. 

Ovarian cancer doesn’t spread in just one way. However, if not caught in the early stages, ovarian cancer often spreads first to the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. From there, it can spread to nearby organs like the bladder or intestines. As the cancer gets worse, it may spread to lymph nodes and other organs, like the liver or lungs. Catching ovarian cancer early can help stop it from spreading to these areas.