Does oophorectomy treat ovarian cancer?

Oophorectomy removes one ovary or both ovaries. For ovarian cancer, the operation may be part of a wider procedure that removes visible cancer from the pelvis or abdomen and may include the fallopian tubes, uterus, or nearby tissue. The exact operation depends on the tumour type, location, spread, and your health.

Some people have chemotherapy before or after surgery. In selected cases, surgery may remove one ovary while preserving fertility, but this is only appropriate for particular cancers and circumstances. Your specialist can explain what is safe and realistic for your diagnosis.

Ask a gynaecological oncology team whether surgery is recommended and what tissue may need removal. Discuss fertility, menopause, hormone symptoms, recovery, and whether chemotherapy is planned. Bring a list of medicines and tell the team about previous operations, ongoing conditions, and any change in abdominal symptoms.

Contact your cancer team promptly for increasing abdominal swelling, persistent vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, worsening pain, or difficulty eating and drinking. After surgery, urgent help is needed for fever, heavy bleeding, breathlessness, chest pain, or severe pain.

Will one ovary or both need to be removed? Do other organs or tissue need surgery? Could treatment affect fertility or hormones? Will I need chemotherapy before or after the operation, and how will response be checked?