Ovarian Cancer Specialist

Park Avenue Women's Center Our Services Ovarian Cancer

Park Avenue Women's Center

OB-GYNs located in Yorkville, Upper East Side, New York, NY

Ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths among women, primarily because it often spreads before it's detected. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, Dr. Gila Leiter, Dr. Shari Leipzig, and Dr. Douglas Moss at Park Avenue Women's Center in New York City perform genetic testing to determine your personal risk. Afterward, they can then provide ongoing, comprehensive support to monitor your health and reduce the risks of ovarian cancer. To learn more about how genetic testing can predict ovarian cancer risk, call their Yorkville, Upper East Side office or book an appointment online today.

Ovarian Cancer Q & A

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it spreads because its symptoms are so mild that they could be caused by many common problems. If you develop the following symptoms, schedule an appointment at Park Avenue Women’s Center for an examination:

  • Abdominal bloating
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Feeling full shortly after you start eating
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Urinary frequency or urgency or pelvic pressure

 

How do you test for ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer doesn’t have recommended screening guidelines, but your doctor at Park Avenue Women’s Center performs two tests that may help detect the disease:

Transvaginal ultrasound

During a transvaginal ultrasound, an image of your ovaries is produced by passing sound waves through a thin probe placed inside your vagina. If it detects an ovarian cyst, your doctor may recommend close follow-up watching for subtle changes in the ovary, or may refer you to a gynecologic oncologist for further evaluation.

Blood testing for cancer markers

Abnormal blood levels of CA-125 in addition to other proteins may indicate an increased risk of ovarian cancer. If your blood test indicates higher than expected risk due to an ovarian cyst, referral to a gynecologic oncologist could be necessary.

 

Can genetic screening help determine risk level?

We ask every patient to share their family history. Most ovarian cancers aren’t due to genetic predisposition. However, identifying people in families at higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers, as well as prostate and pancreatic cancers or melanoma, can be lifesaving.

 

What type of ovarian cancer support will you receive?

You’re never alone throughout the screening, treatment, and recovery from ovarian cancer. The team at Park Avenue Women’s Center provides support every step of the way in the following ways:

Surveillance

Surveillance means ongoing screening to find changes that could suggest illness developing elsewhere. Your doctor may recommend more frequent pelvic exams with transvaginal ultrasound. Colonoscopy and dermatologic screening are also recommended at the routine intervals, every 5-10 years for colonoscopy depending on your age and prior findings, and every year for your skin evaluation.

Prophylactic laparoscopic gynecologic surgery

Preventive surgery to remove fallopian tubes and ovaries will reduce your risk for ovarian cancer by 85-90%.

Cancer survivor care

Gynecologic care of ovarian cancer survivors is an important part of the services offered at Park Avenue Women’s Center. They continue to provide appropriate surveillance and screening, and follow your bone density and other medical treatments when necessary.

If you experience symptoms of ovarian cancer or have any concern about your general health, call the office or book an appointment online today.

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