Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer develops when abnormal cells in the ovaries or fallopian tubes grow uncontrollably and form tumors. Since early symptoms are often vague or absent, many women are diagnosed at later stages.
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we specialize in using a multidisciplinary treatment model for ovarian cancer. Our team, led by internationally recognized oncologist Dr. Sant P. Chawla, brings decades of research leadership and access to treatments beyond standard care.
Call us at 310-552-9999 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation today.
Why Patients Turn to Us
Most women come to our center after receiving an initial diagnosis and are looking for clarity, confirmation, and access to treatments beyond standard care. We carefully review each case for the best possible outcome.
- Faster Access to Care: Most patients are seen within the same week.
- Clinical Trials Others Cannot Offer: We are among the top enrollers in national trials, with access for HMO and Kaiser Permanente patients.
- Treatments Beyond Standard Care: We provide access to compassionate use INDs (single-patient access) and off-label therapeutic strategies.
- Dedicated Support Team: We help with insurance navigation, financial assistance programs from sponsors, and travel or lodging support.
Types of Ovarian Cancer We Treat
Ovarian cancer is classified by the cell type where it begins. Understanding the type of ovarian cancer helps guide treatment:
The most common form (over 95% of cases), it typically starts in the cells covering the ovaries but can also begin in the fallopian tubes. Subtypes include high-grade serous carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.
These tumors arise from hormone-producing connective tissue; they are often detected earlier than other ovarian cancers.
Rare and typically aggressive cancers that form in the cells that normally develop into eggs. They most often affect younger women.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can present with subtle, nonspecific symptoms. Seek medical evaluation if you notice:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause
If you have already been diagnosed, our oncologists can provide second opinions to confirm your findings and explore advanced treatment options.
Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
Our team confirms and refines your ovarian cancer diagnosis so treatment decisions are based on the most accurate information.
Our evaluation may include:
- Pathology review to confirm cancer type and grade
- Advanced imaging to assess the extent of disease
- Genetic testing to check for mutations
We also offer same-week diagnostic appointments, helping patients move forward with the treatment plan.
Breakthrough Options Beyond Standard Care
Many patients come to us after being told there are no more options. At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we ensure you always find another path forward.
Our founder, Dr. Sant Chawla, has led cancer studies that advance oncology research and improve patient outcomes. He continues to lead national and investigator-initiated clinical trials, and our center is frequently among the top enrollers. This means more opportunities to access breakthrough treatments, including investigational drugs and novel drug strategies.
Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer
Several factors can increase the risk of ovarian cancer:
- Older age
- Inherited genetic mutations
- Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
- Early menstruation, late menopause, or never having been pregnant
- Long-term use of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Endometriosis, where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking (linked to specific subtypes)
Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Our care model is integrated and multidisciplinary. We collaborate with various medical specialists to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique diagnosis, health history, and personal goals.
Our approach often integrates multiple therapies:
Systemic therapy to shrink tumors before surgery or eliminate remaining cancer cells after surgery
Drugs that attack cancer cells with specific mutations while sparing healthy cells
Used for hormone-sensitive ovarian cancers, helping slow or stop their progression
Radiation may target localized tumors to provide relief from symptoms
Coordinate care with surgeons to remove one or both ovaries, uterus, or affected tissue
Access to advanced therapies and novel drug combinations under expert supervision
For patients who have not responded to standard care, we also explore compassionate use of INDs and off-label therapeutic strategies, giving access to treatments that may not be available elsewhere.
Expanding Access to Clinical Trials
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, you’ll find:
- Access to clinical trials with investigational drugs not widely available
- Same-week appointments to evaluate trial eligibility
- Second opinions for complex or advanced cases
- Single-patient IND options (compassionate use)
- Eligibility for HMO and Kaiser patients
- Support for travel, lodging, and medication costs
Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Southern California
For women facing ovarian cancer, time and clarity matter. Our oncologists combine clinical expertise with compassionate care to give patients access to the most advanced treatments available.
For appointments, please call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a strong family history or genetic mutations like BRCA1/BRCA2, your doctor may recommend regular pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and blood tests (like CA-125) starting earlier than average.
Ovarian cancer and its treatment can impact fertility, especially if both ovaries or the uterus need to be removed. Fertility preservation options should be discussed before treatment begins.
While some risk factors, like genetics, can’t be changed, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and discussing the risks and benefits of hormone therapy with your doctor can help reduce overall risk.
Treatment duration varies depending on the stage and type of cancer. Surgery may be followed by several cycles of chemotherapy over a few months, and targeted or hormone therapies may continue longer.
At Cancer Center of Southern California, we provide expert second opinions to review your diagnosis and treatment options, ensuring access to personalized treatment plans that combine multidisciplinary care with advanced clinical trials.
