It’s never easy to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
At Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine, our team of WashU Medicine physicians, specialist nurses, psychologists, and other professionals are ready to help you. We have the experience and tools to help you feel better now and achieve the best possible results for your future.
About Ovarian Cancer
The ovaries are two small glands located on either side of the uterus. Their job is to store egg cells and release them as part of the menstrual cycle. When a baby girl is born, her ovaries already contain all of egg cells she will ever have in her life.
Ovarian cancer happens when a cell in one of the ovaries becomes abnormal and starts to grow and multiply out of control. Over time, these abnormal cells can form a lump called a tumor.
Most ovarian cancer develops after women have gone through menopause. It doesn’t cause obvious symptoms in its early stages. Many patients don’t realize something is wrong until the cancer is already advanced.
Why Choose Siteman
At Siteman Cancer Center, we’ve cared for thousands of patients like you. We have the experience and tools to help patients even when their diagnosis is challenging. Many ovarian cancer patients who come to us want a second opinion or are interested in a clinical trial. Our ongoing research programs and trials mean that you will get the most advanced, evidence-based care available.
Team-based, Specialist Care
When you become a Siteman patient, you will be treated by a team of WashU Medicine physicians. These physicians focus on treating patients with ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and uterine cancer. They are called “gynecologic oncologists.” These physicians are called “gynecologic oncologists.” They also study these cancers in the laboratory. Our goal for research is to find better approaches for treatment. They will use what they learn in the lab to help you.
Minimally-Invasive Surgeries
Surgery for ovarian cancer can be complicated. At Siteman, WashU Medicine physicians will always prioritize your safety and comfort. They will try to make smaller incisions in order to lower your risks and help you recover faster. These types of surgeries are called “minimally invasive.”
Genetic Counseling
Sometimes, ovarian cancer is caused by an abnormal gene you’ve inherited from one of your parents. This is called a “genetic mutation.” When you come to Siteman, we will offer you genetic testing and counseling to see if a mutation caused your cancer. This can help your physicians design a better treatment plan for you. It can also benefit other members of your family who may not be aware they are at risk.
Clinical Trials
Every technique and treatment we use today as “standard of care” for cancer was tested in a clinical trial first. Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new drugs and procedures. They allow patients to access new treatments before they are available everywhere.
Siteman Cancer Center offers more clinical trials than any other facility in the region. When you come to Siteman, your team will see if any trials could be a good match for you. Clinical trials create new options for patients. They improve outcomes and quality of life during and after treatment.
Our Siteman care coordinators – oncology-trained nurses who help with scheduling, finding the right specialist, and guidance – can help you through the process.
Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
