Ovarian Cancer

Overview

Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries or the thin layer of tissue covering the ovaries (epithelium). In about three-fourths of cases, the cancer is undetected until it has spread into the abdomen.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic doctors use aggressive procedures to remove ovarian cancer that has spread to other tissue. The volume of cases treated and the skills of experienced, highly trained specialists enable doctors to provide high-quality care including advanced diagnostic imaging, surgery, treatment with cancer-fighting drugs (chemotherapy) and radiation therapy. Gynecologists trained to treat cancer (gynecologic oncologists) perform the necessary surgeries, and research indicates that women have better survival rates when gynecologic oncologists provide care.

Mayo's Familial Cancer Program identifies women at an increased risk of ovarian cancer and studies hereditary factors in cancer. Ongoing research at Mayo Clinic means that you may have access to new procedures and therapeutic regimens that are not available elsewhere.

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center was the first multicenter clinic in the United States to be designated a comprehensive cancer center for its entire cancer program, which is the highest ranking given by the National Cancer Institute. The Women's Cancer Program, which is one of 12 programs within the Cancer Center, includes a dedicated Ovarian Cancer Research Group that studies potential new treatments.

Read more about ovarian cancer at MayoClinic.com.