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Ovarian cancer is the third most common gynecological cancer but unfortunately it is by far the most deadly.

It is estimated that 1 in 87 women will develop ovarian cancer. The poor prognosis of the disease is associated with its late diagnosis at an advanced stage.

Studies show that more intensive gynecological screening does not help us in early diagnosis and does not reduce mortality. This is because the majority of cancer cells first spread to the abdomen and then develop in the ovary, resulting in a delayed detection of a tumor in the ovary with ultrasound. Thus, the majority of cases are diagnosed with ovarian cancer at an advanced stage and that is why it is particularly deadly.

Because most women will develop an ovarian tumor in their lifetime (benign/borderline malignant/malignant), in this case, they should consult a specialized gynecologist-oncologist so that the correct treatment steps can be outlined from the beginning based on the risk of the tumor.

The only preventive measure against ovarian cancer is to undergo a genetic test. The detailed recording of the patient’s family history (age, type of cancer and number of relatives who have had the disease) reveals the necessity to proceed with a genetic test. In the past, we knew of few oncogenes such as BRCA. Now, with intensive research, we are discovering more and more oncogenes, hoping that we will soon have clearer answers to the prevention of gynecological cancer. Women with a genetic risk for ovarian cancer must proceed at specific intervals to prophylactic adnexectomy, that is, to remove their fallopian tubes and ovaries endoscopically.

In the early stages of ovarian cancer, the treatment can be done using robotic or laparoscopic surgery, providing patients with the opportunity to return home and to their daily lives after one day of hospitalization. In an advanced stage of the disease, laparotomy is required, i.e. open surgery with a vertical incision in order to examine and palpate all areas of the abdomen.

These are major surgeries, with the sole aim of completely removing the disease from the abdomen, with several times the involvement of the organs of the upper abdomen and the intestine. Very aggressive and at the same time delicate manipulations are required, as well as experience in order to quickly achieve the complete removal of the disease. It has been proven that the speed of the surgery plays an important role, as if the surgery lasts 1-2 hours longer, postoperative complications, such as thrombosis and infection, increase significantly.

The surgical treatment of these patients is of key importance, which is why they should be referred to experienced and specialized Gynecological Oncologists for their treatment.

The strategy for the method, as well as the radicality of the operation, must be individualized for each patient. The same applies to the necessity of chemotherapy, the combination of drugs and the timing of the start of treatment.

The Robotic-Gynecology Clinic of the Inter-Balkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki was created based on the highest oncological standards in order to provide patients with ovarian cancer with excellent and holistic treatment (prevention, diagnosis, preoperative preparation, surgical treatment, drug therapy) with the sole aim of achieving the best oncological outcome.