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Overview
Specialized care for your health and quality of life
The specialists at the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center provide expert diagnosis and treatment for ovarian cancer.
We use the most advanced diagnostic tests and the best, least invasive treatments.
We excel at removing ovarian cancers and helping you preserve your fertility. We partner with you to improve your quality of life and minimize side effects during treatment.
Symptoms and diagnosis
How we detect ovarian cancer
Types of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer occurs when tumors grow on or in your ovaries. Types of ovarian cancer include:
Epithelial
Tumors form in the tissue outside your ovaries. This is the most common kind of ovarian cancer.
Stromal
These tumors grow in the cells that make hormones. Stromal tumors are the second most common type of ovarian cancer.
Germ cell
Tumors develop in the egg-producing cells of your ovaries. This is a rare type of ovarian cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
Abdominal bloating, pressure and pain
Abnormal fullness after eating
Back pain
Constipation
Difficulty eating
Fatigue
Heartburn
Increased urination or urge to urinate
Menstrual irregularities
Pain during sex
Diagnosis
If you show signs of ovarian cancer, your doctor will perform tests to make a diagnosis. Your evaluation could include:
Biopsy
Blood tests
Genetic testing
Imaging tests such as CT, MRI or PET scans and ultrasound
Pelvic exam
Your doctor might also perform tests to see whether cancer has spread to other parts of your body. These procedures include:
Barium enema X-ray
Chest X-ray
Laparoscopic exploratory surgery
Treatments and research
Managing your cancer care
When you come to the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center for ovarian cancer care, you see a team of experts.
Our specialists treat more than 100 new patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. This means you get the best, most experienced care possible.
Your treatments might include:
Chemotherapy
Fertility preservation
Genetic counseling
Hormone therapy
Mental health care
Minimally invasive hysterectomy
Radiation therapy
Surgery to:
Remove the tumor
Remove your uterus
Determine how advanced your cancer is
Take part in ovarian cancer clinical trials
The doctors and scientists at the UW Carbone Cancer Center work to improve cancer care for you. We research new treatments for ovarian cancer. Learn about our clinical trials
UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center
Patient Guide
To help you feel comfortable during your stay at the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center, we invite you to learn about our facility and the services we offer.
Meet our team
Expert, compassionate cancer care
The ovarian cancer team at the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center includes experts in genetic counseling, gynecologic oncology, health psychology, medical oncology and radiation oncology.
Gynecologic oncology
Locations
Specialty cancer care close to home
The UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center ovarian cancer team provides specialized care at several locations in Wisconsin and Illinois.
UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center
The experts at the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center intimately understand every type of cancer. We will get to know you and design a treatment plan that works for you and your family.
Patient and support services
Extensive support for you and your family
Your cancer care at the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center includes extensive support, as well as the highest quality care.
Our gynecological cancers support group:
Gilda’s Club: You can talk with other patients and families. We meet on the fourth Thursday of the month, from 6–7:30 p.m. at 7907 UW Health Court in Middleton. View our upcoming sessions
Resources
Visit these other support resources: