A member asked:
What is my mother in laws survival rate? she has ovarian cancer and found out four months ago, and has not been back to the doctor. we are trying to get her to go back
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A : A little more information would be needed to answer that very important question. First, are we sure it's cancer? If it truly is, the most important predictors of survival are the type of ovarian cancer (there are several), the stage (how far has it spread) and the grade (how many dividing cells are seen under the microscope) of her tumor. Many times, this information is not available until surgery is done and a final tissue report is available. Choosing the correct surgeon is critical, and gynecologic oncologists have the highest success of surgery. Another important predictor is how much cancer is left behind by surgery. Nevertheless, many many many women have been completely cured of ovarian cancer. Even when not cured, women given the best ovarian cancer care may survive for many years with their cancer. Though doctors respect your mother in law's decision to not seek additional care, the consequences of not doing so will be deadly. If she truly has ovarian cancer, and it is not treated, surely this will result in the tumor progressing soon. I recommend that your mother in law seek the care of an experienced gynecologic oncologist to get these questions answered for her, at her earliest opportunity.
Answered 10/3/2016
5.3k views
I : I am so sorry that this has happened to her. There are many factors involved with your question that make it impossible to answer. The "stage" of cancer is important. Is it a small, early tumor that she had surgery on, or is it larger? Has it spread to other organs? Is there fluid from the tumor in her abdomen? What type of cancer is it? These are all questions that affect survival. Please contact the doctor who diagnosed it and ask them to contact her if possible. Ultimately, it is her decision, and you can't force her to do anything against her will, nor can the doctor, but hopefully she will seek care as there are many helpful treatments available. I will be wishing the best for her.
Answered 10/3/2016
5.3k views
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