1. Ovarian Cancer Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Ovarian Cancer Quiz
3. 15 Cancer Symptoms Women Ignore Slideshow

In this Article

• Ovarian cancer facts*
• What are the ovaries?
• What is ovarian cancer?
• What are risk factors for ovarian cancer?
• Ovarian cancer symptoms
• How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
• How is staging for ovarian cancer determined?
• What is the treatment for ovarian cancer?
• Treatment methods
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• What are the side effects of treatment for ovarian cancer?
• What follow-up care is necessary?
• Where can ovarian cancer patients find support?
• What research is available for ovarian cancer patients?
• What resources are available to patients with ovarian cancer?
• Pictures of Ovarian Cancer - Slideshow
• Take the Ovarian Cancer Quiz
• 15 Cancer Symptoms Women Ignore - Slideshow
• Ovarian Cancer FAQs
• Patient Comments: Ovarian Cancer - Symptoms
• Patient Comments: Ovarian Cancer - Diagnosis
• Patient Comments: Ovarian Cancer - Treatments
• Find a local Oncologist in your town
• Ovarian Cancer Index

Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Most women have chemotherapy for ovarian cancer after surgery. Some women have chemotherapy before surgery.

Usually, more than one drug is given. Drugs for ovarian cancer can be given in different ways:

• By vein (IV): The drugs can be given through a thin tube inserted into a vein.



• By vein and directly into the abdomen: Some women get IV chemotherapy along with intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy. For IP chemotherapy, the drugs are given through a thin tube inserted into the abdomen.



• By mouth: Some drugs for ovarian cancer can be given by mouth.

Chemotherapy is given in cycles. Each treatment period is followed by a rest period. The length of the rest period and the number of cycles depend on the anticancer drugs used.

You may have your treatment in a clinic, at the doctor's office, or at home. Some women may need to stay in the hospital during treatment.

The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on which drugs are given and how much. The drugs can harm normal cells that divide rapidly:

• Blood cells: These cells fight infection, help blood to clot, and carry oxygen to all parts of your body. When drugs affect your blood cells, you are more likely to get infections, bruise or bleed easily, and feel very weak and tired. Your health care team checks you for low levels of blood cells. If blood tests show low levels, your health care team can suggest medicines that can help your body make new blood cells.



• Cells in hair roots: Some drugs can cause hair loss. Your hair will grow back, but it may be somewhat different in color and texture.



• Cells that line the digestive tract: Some drugs can cause poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth and lip sores. Ask your health care team about medicines that help with these problems.

Some drugs used to treat ovarian cancer can cause hearing loss, kidney damage, joint pain, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. Most of these side effects usually go away after treatment ends.

You may find it helpful to read NCI's booklet Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment.