"Ovarian Cancer Care: What PCPs Need To Know" - Alaina Tedesco
In the United States, ovarian cancer, along with cancer of the fallopian tubes and primary peritoneum, are the fifth leading cause of mortality in women, according to the National Cancer Institute. Detection of ovarian cancer is difficult because the ovaries are small and embedded deep within the abdominal cavity; therefore, it is particularly important for clinicians to be aware of symptoms, such as abnormal or any bleeding after menopause, nausea, unexplained weight loss or gain, or a constant feeling of fullness. “Any woman who experiences unexplained bloating, an upset stomach, an urgency to urinate or abdominal pain for a few weeks, should go see a doctor,” said Peter Dottino, MD, senior faculty of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and director of gynecologic oncology for the Mount Sinai Health System. “Too often, women are sent to a gastroenterologist, or told they’re just aging when experiencing these kinds of symptoms, and by then they have lost valuable time.” Stephanie Blank, MD, professor of gynecologic oncology, obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and director of women’s health at Mount Sinai Downtown- Chelsea Center, said “If ovarian cancer is caught in the early stage — before it has spread — it is curable, with 92 percent of these patients living more than 5 years after diagnosis. Most of the time, however, ovarian cancer is not caught early.” If ovarian cancer is suspected in a patient, her PCP should get her to a gynecologic oncologist, she added.
- Peter R. Dottino, MD, Senior Faculty, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Director, Gynecologic Oncology, Mount Sinai Health System
- Stephanie V. Blank, MD, Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Director of Women's Health, Mount Sinai Downtown- Chelsea Center