Ovarian cancer occurs when malignant cells occur in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs located in the pelvis. There are two of them, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone control the development of female body characteristics (i.e., breasts, body shape and body hair), and regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The cause of ovarian cancer is not yet known. An estimated 22,220 new cases of ovarian cancer are expected in the US in 2005. Ovarian cancer accounts for nearly 4 percent of all cancers among women and ranks second among gynecologic cancers.

About Ovarian Cancer

Risk Assessment and Genetic Screening - Some cancer syndromes are more likely to be inherited. We provide formal risk assessment for the woman and her family, cancer genetics education, genetic testing, and develop management plans for follow-up care and counseling.

Ovarian Cancer Interdisciplinary Center - This Center provides complete care for patients at risk or diagnosed with the disease. The Ovarian Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic, part of the Center, is led by Mack Barnes, M.D., and provides integrative genetic counseling and access to screening and prevention services, including clinical trials.

Lynne Cohen Program for Prevention of Women’s Cancers - Located in The Kirklin Clinic, The Lynn Cohen Ovarian/Breast Clinic is a specialty clinic that combines screenings for breast and ovarian cancer, which are closely linked. The clinic provides patients access to a genetic counselor, genetic screening and clinical trials.

Colposcopy Clinic - This specialized Clinic provides care for the underserved women of Alabama who have been found to have preinvasive or invasive cervical neoplasia.

Patient evaluation and assessment - Our subspecialist team members use state-of-the-art technology and skilled physical examination to assess each woman for diagnosis, treatment and care planning.

Minimally Invasive Surgery – Some traditional pelvic surgeries can now be done with minimally invasive techniques. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery allow treatment of complex problems with smaller incisions and improved recovery.

Radical Tumor Reductive Surgery – Tumor-reductive surgery, also called cyto-reductive surgery, is used to remove as much of a large tumor as possible. This surgery may involve removing other tissue areas such as a portion of intestine and may improve the success of chemotherapy.

Gyn Pathology Review – The gynecologic oncologists at UAB have access to expert gyn-pathologists for review of surgical specimens following surgical procedures or biopsies for malignant conditions. Many physicians from the state and southeast consult with members of the Division regarding the proper diagnosis or interpretation of biopsy or specimen materials. In cases where treatment planning is necessary the gynecologic oncologist may present a patient’s case at the weekly Tumor Board held at UAB. At this planning conference, (attended by gyn oncologists, pathologists, radiologist, medical and radiation oncologists), details of a patient’s history, therapies, pathology specimens and radiologic images are confidentially presented and the cases discussed by physicians in attendance. Specific treatment recommendations are formulated and later discussed with the patients and referring physicians.

Clinical Trials – Our patients have access to therapies arising from the latest national clinical investigations. Our division has made significant contributions through research to the body of medical literature guiding current, as well as, traditional therapeutic strategies. Patients may participate in on-going clinical investigations gaining access to therapies not available at many institutions or take advantage of the latest treatment concepts developed by previous trials.

These may include:

• Novel Vaccine Trials – For some types of cancer, specialized vaccines help the body's own immune system recognize tumor cells as foreign so that they can be destroyed. Cancer vaccines do not prevent cancer, but allow the body's own defenses to attack existing or growing tumor cells.
  
• Therapeutic Clinical Trials for Advanced Disease – Click here for information on clinical trials that are available through UAB.

Palliative Care Services – Our specially trained physicians and other professionals provide treatment for women with advanced disease that helps relieve symptoms and maintains quality of life. A comprehensive approach combines services to meet physical needs with counseling to assist families with psychological, social, and spiritual concerns.

Support Group Services