Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Delhi
Ovarian cancer is one of the most intricate and often underdiagnosed malignancies affecting women worldwide. It accounts for approximately 3.4% of all cancers in women globally, and in India, it’s among the top five most common cancers affecting the female reproductive system. Unfortunately, the early signs—bloating, fatigue, or subtle abdominal discomfort—can be mistaken for minor issues, causing a delay in detection.
Dr. Prateek Varshney, an acclaimed surgical oncologist in Delhi, states, “Timely diagnosis and the right surgical intervention not only improve outcomes but also enhance the quality of life.”
With over 22 years of experience, Dr. Varshney heads the Surgical Oncology Department at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. He is the Director at Cancros Oncology, Delhi, specializing in minimally invasive procedures for gynecologic and abdominal cancers.
With a strong focus on laparoscopic and robotic surgery, Dr. Prateek Varshney blends science, skill, and compassion, helping women face ovarian cancer treatment in Delhi with strength, clarity, and dignity.
Here’s how experts get answers when symptoms seem unclear…
Diagnosis and Staging of Ovarian Cancer
Getting the diagnosis right is the first and perhaps the most important—step. Ovarian cancer diagnosis usually includes a combination of clinical assessment, imaging, and laboratory work:
Pelvic Exam: A standard and essential step to identify any masses or abnormalities.
Ultrasound (Transvaginal & Abdominal): Assists in identifying cysts or solid tumors on the ovaries.
CA-125 Blood Test: Measures cancer antigen 125, which can be elevated in ovarian cancer.
CT Scan/MRI: Provides high-resolution imaging to evaluate extent of tumor within the pelvis and abdomen.
PET Scan: Useful for staging advanced disease and planning surgery.
Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure allowing direct visualization and biopsy of the tumor.
Stages
Stage I
Cancer is found in one or both ovaries but hasn’t spread beyond them (Often caught during unrelated procedures or early imaging.)
Stage II
The cancer has moved beyond the ovaries to other pelvic structures like the uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder, or rectum.
Stage III
Cancer has spread to the abdominal cavity—especially the lining (peritoneum) or nearby lymph nodes. This is one of the most commonly diagnosed stages in India.
Stage IV
The most advanced stage—when the cancer has reached distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or the area around the diaphragm.
Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer
When it comes to ovarian cancer, no two treatment paths are exactly alike. Dr. Prateek Varshney, an esteemed ovarian cancer specialist in Delhi, considers the cancer stage, the patient’s overall health, and whether fertility preservation is needed.
Here’s the broad range of available treatment options:
- Ovarian Cancer Surgery
Whether the cancer is caught early or has progressed, surgery is typically the first significant step. It aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible—a process known as cytoreduction or debulking.
Dr. Varshney specializes in minimally invasive surgeries (laparoscopic/robotic), which lead to quicker recovery, less pain, and fewer complications. Here are the surgical procedures commonly used:
- Unilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy
During this procedure, the surgeon removes only one ovary and its corresponding fallopian tube. This surgery is preferred in early-stage cases for young women wanting to preserve fertility.
- Total Abdominal Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (TAH-BSO)
This involves removing the uterus, both ovaries and fallopian tubes. It’s commonly done when cancer has spread beyond a single ovary.
- Debulking Surgery (Cytoreductive Surgery)
This surgery is performed when cancer has spread within the abdomen. It entails removing as much of the tumor mass as possible to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
- Omentectomy
The omentum, a fatty tissue layer in the abdomen where ovarian cancer often spreads, is surgically removed as part of debulking.
- Lymphadenectomy
This involves removing pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes to assess or prevent cancer spread. It also helps in accurate staging.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is typically given after surgery to destroy microscopic cancer cells left behind. In some cases, it may also be used before surgery (called neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink large tumors and improve surgical results.
- HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)
HIPEC is an advanced procedure performed by trained surgical oncologists. During surgery, a heated chemotherapy solution is circulated in the abdominal cavity to kill residual cancer cells. The heat improves the penetration of the drug and its effectiveness.
HIPEC has shown promising results in Stage III ovarian cancer and recurrent cases, especially when combined with complete cytoreductive surgery.
- Targeted Therapy
For patients with specific genetic mutations (like BRCA1/2), targeted drugs such as PARP inhibitors can be highly effective. These medications help prevent cancer cells from repairing themselves, leading to their gradual destruction.
Targeted therapy is often used as maintenance treatment after chemotherapy in advanced-stage or recurrent ovarian cancer.
- Immunotherapy
While still under evaluation for ovarian cancer, immunotherapy is being used in select cases as part of clinical trials or when traditional options have been exhausted. It aims to help the immune system recognize and fight cancer more effectively.
Why Choose Dr. Prateek Varshney for Ovarian Cancer Treatment in Delhi
22+ Years of Surgical Oncology Experience
Dr. Varshney has dedicated over two decades to surgical cancer treatment, having performed thousands of complex procedures with consistently excellent outcomes.
Expertise in Minimally Invasive & Robotic Ovarian Cancer Surgery
He is renowned for his expertise in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted ovarian cancer surgery in Delhi, offering patients shorter recovery times, minimal scarring, and reduced post-operative discomfort.
Ethical, Transparent, and Human-Centered Approach
Patients are treated as partners in care. Every decision, every step, and every option is explained clearly—ensuring you’re never left in the dark.
Trusted Across Delhi NCR by Patients and Peers Alike
Reputation doesn’t come overnight—it’s earned through years of consistent outcomes, patient satisfaction, and surgical excellence.
Personalized Care for Every Woman
From preserving fertility in younger patients to maximizing quality of life in advanced cases, care is always tailored—not templated.
Understanding Recurrence and Maintenance Therapy
Recurrence can occur months or years after initial treatment. It’s monitored based on regular follow-ups and CA-125 blood tests.
Maintenance Therapy is often used to keep the cancer at bay after first-line treatment. PARP inhibitors, especially for BRCA-mutated patients, are now standard in many cases.
Repeat Surgery or Chemotherapy may be considered depending on the site and severity of recurrence.
