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Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most critical gynecological malignancies, often referred to as a 'silent disease' because its early symptoms—such as bloating, abdominal pain, and a feeling of fullness—are subtle and easily missed. When diagnosed early, the chance of successful management is significantly higher. Treatment protocols are personalized based on the disease stage and typically combine advanced cytoreductive (tumor-removing) surgery with targeted systemic therapies to achieve the best possible outcomes.
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Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer Surgery: Diagnosis, Staging, and Advanced Surgical Approaches

Ovarian cancer is one of the most complex conditions among female reproductive system cancers, and its therapeutic success is directly dependent on the quality and extensiveness of the performed surgery. Gynecologic Oncology Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç performs life-saving interventions particularly in advanced-stage cases, bringing deep surgical experience to this field.

What is Ovarian Cancer? Why Does it Progress Insidiously?

The ovaries are organs located deep within the abdominal cavity. For this reason, tumors forming here generally do not present any prominent symptoms until they reach a certain size. By the time most patients consult a physician with complaints like abdominal bloating, indigestion, early satiety, or pelvic pain, the disease has usually already spread to surrounding tissues (stage 3 or 4). This situation explains why ovarian cancer surgery must be an area of specialization (Gynecologic Oncology).

Diagnostic Process and Evaluation

The first step for the proper management of the disease is detailed imaging. In addition to physical examination findings, Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç charts the most accurate treatment roadmap using:

  • Ultrasonography and Advanced Imaging: Doppler USG, MRI, or PET-CT scans to understand the structure of the tumor,

  • Tumor Markers: Blood analysis of CA-125 and other specific markers,

  • Laparoscopic Evaluation: When necessary, a brief closed camera inspection performed before surgery to observe the extent of the disease.

The “Gold Standard” in Surgery with Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç

The most critical success criterion in ovarian cancer treatment is leaving no visible tumor inside the abdomen during the initial surgery. In medicine, this is referred to as “Maximum Cytoreduction” or “Zero-Residue.”

1. Comprehensive (Debulking) Surgery

Dr. Erkılınç meticulously removes all areas where the tumor might spread. Within this scope, not only the uterus and ovaries are removed, but also tumor foci on the peritoneum (omentum), lymph nodes, sections of the intestines, spleen, or liver surface if required. Our objective is to establish a clean intra-abdominal environment that maximizes the efficacy of subsequent chemotherapy.

2. Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) Application

In selected cases, heated chemotherapy medications are administered into the abdomen before the surgical procedure is fully concluded. Through this method, known as HIPEC, the aim is to directly destroy microscopic cancer cells that cannot be surgically excised, thereby striving to prevent the risk of recurrence.

3. Preservation of Fertility in Early Stages

In young patients and in cases where the disease is detected at a very early stage, Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç evaluates “Fertility-Sparing Surgery” options that preserve the healthy ovary and the uterus, enabling the patient to become a mother in the future.

Postoperative Follow-Up and Success

The process following ovarian cancer surgery requires a follow-up that is just as disciplined as the operation itself. Dr. Erkılınç guides his patients through a multidisciplinary approach regarding the postoperative chemotherapy process and targeted maintenance therapy options.