Our team of hundreds of leading cancer physicians and oncology-trained support staff is a trusted partner in returning patients with cancer to good health.
Ovarian Cancer
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-4673
Nationally Ranked in Cancer Care
UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's top 20 hospitals for cancer care, and we are rated as "High Performing" in gynecological cancer surgery, placing us among the leading facilities in the U.S. for this procedure.
At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our gynecologic cancer experts have unmatched expertise in treating patients with ovarian cancer. At a time filled with uncertainty, we make sure to answer every question, explore all treatment options, and help patients feel more in control of their care.
As the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas, we deliver the best cancer care available today and push to discover new treatments. NCI designation means we offer patients the ability to participate in the broadest possible range of clinical trials, with access to potential therapies not available at other facilities.
Why Choose UT Southwestern for Ovarian Cancer Care?
At UT Southwestern, we believe expert care begins with trust. That’s why we never rush conversations and always make space for patients to ask questions, understand their diagnosis, and consider their options.
Our ovarian cancer team brings together highly trained specialists who are dedicated to their field. We’re our patients’ partners in care, helping them through every stage of their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Within our clinic, patients benefit from the expertise of gynecologic oncologists, geneticists, pathologists, radiologists, dietitians, psychologists, and dedicated support staff, all in one convenient location. We are here to help patients through their cancer journey with compassion and personalized care in a comfortable setting.
What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect early because patients might have no symptoms or mild symptoms that are mistaken for other issues until the disease has progressed. Common symptoms include:
- A heavy feeling in the pelvis
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Abnormal bleeding from the vagina
- Changes in appetite or weight gain or loss
- Abnormal periods
- Pressure or pain in the pelvis or lower back
- Gas, nausea, or vomiting
- Tiredness or low energy
How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
Because there is not one particular screening test to catch ovarian cancer, patients should tell their doctor if they are experiencing any of these symptoms. The doctor will perform a physical exam and take a medical history. If he or she suspects ovarian cancer, patients will be referred to a gynecologic cancer expert at UT Southwestern.
We use advanced technologies and techniques to diagnose ovarian cancer. These can include:
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Ultrasound
- Blood tests
- Biopsy
- Laparoscopy
Some ovarian cancers are hereditary. Women who have ovarian cancer in their families might be considered at high risk for the disease. They should speak with their doctor about genetic counseling and testing.
We understand that facing a potential cancer diagnosis can be deeply stressful. That's why we offer not only expert guidance but the support and reassurance patients need when facing difficult decisions.
Gynecologic Oncology Prevention
We offer comprehensive services to patients with a hereditary risk for gynecologic cancers. These include patients with genetic mutations that increase their risk for developing ovarian, fallopian tube, and endometrial cancer.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Treated?
Our doctors don’t just explain treatment options – they listen closely to how patients are feeling, making sure they never feel rushed or unheard.
A patient’s personalized care plan will depend on several factors, such as overall health, the characteristics and stage of the cancer, and individual preferences and goals. For example, we offer fertility-preserving treatment options for women who plan to have children.
If surgery is in a patient’s treatment plan, our surgical procedures for ovarian cancer include:
- Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which removes both ovaries and both fallopian tubes
- Hysterectomy, which might include removal of the uterus
- Surgical staging, which includes an omentectomy, lymph node sampling and peritoneal biopsies
- Cytoreductive surgery, which includes removal of the vast majority or all gross evidence of cancer present within the peritoneal cavity
- Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy can accompany cytoreductive surgery in specific circumstances
Our options for medical treatment include:
- Chemotherapy, which is usually used following surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. We offer intraperitoneal chemotherapy, a highly targeted treatment technique that allows our oncologists to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdominal cavity through a catheter, minimizing drug exposure to healthy tissues.
- Hormone therapy, which uses hormones to treat and prevent recurrences of ovarian cancer
- Immunotherapy, which stimulates the immune system to help the body fight off cancer
Specialized Care for Gynecologic Cancers
At Simmons Cancer Center – the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in North Texas – patients with gynecologic cancers benefit from the latest treatment options and leading-edge technologies. Our multidisciplinary team of gynecologic oncology specialists is dedicated to delivering expert, personalized care and guiding patients through every stage of treatment with compassion and expertise.
What Support Services for Ovarian Cancer Does UT Southwestern Offer?
An ovarian cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Our support services are designed to help patients feel stronger, more informed, and less alone. They include:
- Genetic counseling for women who think they could be at risk for ovarian cancer because of their health or family history
- Lifestyle education
- Lymphedema therapy
- Nutrition counseling
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Support groups for patients and their families
What Clinical Trials Are Available for Ovarian Cancer?
As an academic medical center, UT Southwestern regularly conducts gynecologic cancer-related clinical trials. These research studies give our patients access to the latest medical and surgical treatments. Patients should speak with their doctor if they are interested in a clinical trial.
Related Conditions and Treatments
We have a wide range of clinical trials open to patients with all types and stages of cancer. Search for opportunities to participate in a cancer study.
We’re one of the world’s top academic medical centers, with a unique legacy of innovation in patient care and scientific discovery.
MedBlog
Results: 4 Locations
UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at Moncrief Cancer Institute
400 W. Magnolia AvenueFort Worth, Texas 76104 817-288-9800 Directions to UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at Moncrief Cancer Institute, Fort Worth Parking Info for UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at Moncrief Cancer Institute
2 Clinics at this location
Gynecologic Oncology Clinic
at Cancer Care Outpatient Building 6202 Harry Hines Blvd., 4th FloorDallas, Texas 75235 (214) 645-4673 Directions to Gynecologic Oncology Clinic at Cancer Care Outpatient Building, Dallas Parking Info for Gynecologic Oncology Clinic
Simmons Cancer Center
at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Richardson/Plano 3030 Waterview Parkway, 2nd FloorRichardson, Texas 75080 972-669-7077 Directions to Simmons Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Richardson/Plano, Richardson