Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Neeraj Goel, MBBS, MS, MCh (GI Surgery)
Designation: Director – Cancer Surgery, Robotic Oncology & Advanced GI-Gynecologic Cancer Surgery. ). This article has been reviewed as part of the multidisciplinary tumor board with the reconstructive surgery and Gyane- oncology teams.
Clinical Review Date: August 22, 2026
Cancer originating in the cells of one or both ovaries. Ovaries do two main jobs: they release eggs and make essential hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Most of the time, these growths start in the thin outer lining of the ovary, but they can also begin in the egg cells themselves or the tissue that produces hormones. Treating ovarian cancer is always a balancing act: we need to get rid of every trace of cancer completely while protecting your surrounding organs, preserving fertility whenever safe, and getting you back on your feet smoothly.
Most women never get a clear single reason why it happened, but a few family and health traits can bump up your risk: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, or breast and ovarian cancers running in your close family. Inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome. Getting older, or hormonal factors like never having been pregnant. Endometriosis or long-standing pelvic inflammation. Having one of these risk factors doesn't mean you will get cancer, but it is a strong reason to get checked out if something in your belly feels off.
Early on, ovarian cancer rarely hurts. Most of the time, the disease is detected incidentally on a routine ultrasound scan. As the tumor grows or fluid builds up, your body sends warning signs: Constant belly bloating, gas, or feeling stuffed after just a few bites. A dull ache, heaviness, or dragging pressure low in your belly and pelvis. Needing to pass urine much more often than usual or feeling a sudden rush to go. Dropping weight without trying and losing your appetite. Constant tiredness and feeling run-down. A distended abdomen (ascites) that might lead to breathing difficulty.
Surgery is not the answer for all tumors on its own, so we combine it with medical treatments to clear stray cells and keep the cancer away:
For more than twenty years, we have focused on the delicate work of complex cytoreductive debulking, pelvic cancer surgery, and gastrointestinal resections. Today, that experience comes together with robotic and keyhole tools, letting us remove tumors through tiny, gentle cuts rather than large incisions. Because no two patients are alike, you won't just have a surgeon in your corner—you'll have a close-knit team of gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, and genetic specialists all sitting at the same table to tailor a care plan that protects your health and fits your life.
Ovarian cancer surgery is all about finding the right balance: removing the tumor completely while preserving your health and normal daily life. In advanced cases, clearing every visible speck of tumor during debulking gives you the cleanest shot at lasting remission. For early tumors, using robotic and keyhole tools lets us remove the growth cleanly through small incisions. Most of our patients are up and walking the very next day and ready to head home in 2 to 4 days.
Yes, absolutely. When we spot the tumor early and take it out completely with clean margins, surgery gives you the cleanest shot at a long-term cure or lasting remission.
Debulking is a major operation where the surgeon removes all visible cancer deposits from the ovaries, belly lining, omentum, and affected surrounding organs to leave zero tumor behind.
If you are young and the cancer is caught early in just one ovary, we can often remove only the bad ovary and tube, keeping your womb and healthy ovary safe for future pregnancy.
HIPEC delivers heated chemotherapy straight inside your belly right after surgery is done, washing over tissue to destroy microscopic cancer cells before they can ever take root again.
Not necessarily. While higher CA-125 numbers can point to a tumor, simple cysts, endometriosis, or belly inflammation can bump those numbers up too. We always confirm things with a dedicated CT or MRI scan before making a diagnosis.
