Ovarian Cancer Surgery

Why Ovarian Cancer Is Diagnosed in Late Stages?

Ovarian cancer is often described as a “silent cancer,” not because it causes no symptoms, but because its early warning signs are subtle, vague, and frequently overlooked. Across India many patients are diagnosed only after the disease has already reached an advanced stage.

Delayed diagnosis significantly impacts treatment planning, surgical options, and long-term outcomes. Even in a city like Delhi, where advanced medical facilities and oncology expertise are available, ovarian cancer continues to be detected late.

According to Dr. Ashish Goel, early awareness, timely medical evaluation, and referral to an experienced cancer specialist are critical for improving survival and quality of life in women with ovarian cancer.

Understanding why diagnosis is delayed—and what women can do differently—can help change this pattern.

Why Is Ovarian Cancer So Often Diagnosed Late?

Several medical and social factors contribute to delayed ovarian cancer diagnosis.

  1. Early Symptoms Are Easily Overlooked

In its early stages, ovarian cancer rarely causes sharp or alarming pain. Instead, women may experience:

  • Persistent abdominal bloating
  • Pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort
  • Feeling full quickly while eating
  • Urinary urgency or frequency
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Mild digestive discomfort or fatigue

Because these symptoms are common and often attributed to acidity, stress, or hormonal changes, they are frequently ignored or treated symptomatically.

Since the ovaries are located deep within the pelvis, early tumors may grow without obvious signs—making symptom persistence a key indicator for early ovarian cancer diagnosis.

  1. Symptoms Are Considered “Normal” for Women

Many women normalize discomfort during menstruation, after childbirth, or around menopause. In urban centres like Delhi, health check-ups are often postponed due to work and family responsibilities, leading to delayed evaluation of persistent symptoms.

This normalization remains one of the most common reasons ovarian cancer is diagnosed late.

  1. Initial Misdiagnosis or Temporary Relief

Early ovarian cancer symptoms are frequently treated as:

  • Gastritis or acidity
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Hormonal imbalance

Temporary relief from medication can delay further investigation, imaging, and specialist consultation—allowing the disease to progress silently.

  1. Lack of Routine Screening Tests

Unlike breast or cervical cancer, there is no universally recommended screening test for ovarian cancer in the general population. Tests like CA-125 and ultrasound are used selectively and generally not recommended as screening tools.

Why Early Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer Matters

When ovarian cancer is detected early and confined to the ovaries, treatment outcomes are significantly better.

Early-stage disease may be managed with:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Structured follow-up

Survival rates are higher, and treatment-related complications are fewer.

In contrast, advanced ovarian cancer often requires extensive surgery, systemic therapy, and long-term monitoring. This is why early ovarian cancer diagnosis in Delhi can dramatically influence both survival and quality of life.

Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in Delhi: What Women Should Know

Women seeking ovarian cancer treatment in Delhi have access to advanced diagnostic tools and experienced oncology teams. However, early diagnosis depends heavily on patient awareness and timely medical evaluation.

Key Diagnostic Steps Include

  • Pelvic examination
  • Transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound
  • CA-125 blood test (in appropriate cases)
  • CT or MRI scans if a suspicious mass is detected
  • Image-guided biopsy when required

Early referral to an ovarian cancer specialist in Delhi ensures accurate staging and appropriate treatment planning.

Learn more about cancer evaluation and treatment options at:
https://drashishgoel.com/

Ovarian Cancer Surgery: A Crucial Step in Treatment

Surgery plays a central role in the management of ovarian cancer and is often the most important step in both diagnosis and treatment.

Role of Surgery in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer surgery serves multiple purposes:

  • Confirming the diagnosis
  • Determining the exact stage of disease
  • Removing visible cancer (cytoreduction or debulking)
  • Improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy

The success of ovarian cancer surgery directly impacts long-term outcomes.

Types of Ovarian Cancer Surgery

Depending on the stage and spread of disease, surgery may include:

  • Removal of one or both ovaries
  • Removal of fallopian tubes and uterus
  • Removal of affected lymph nodes
  • Removal of visible tumor deposits from the abdomen

In advanced cases, Cytoreductive Surgery+ HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy ) after Preoperative Chemotherapy has shown to significantly improve survival.

Expertise Matters in Ovarian Cancer Surgery

Ovarian cancer surgery is complex and should be performed under the guidance of an experienced oncology team. Dr. Ashish Goel has extensive expertise in managing ovarian cancer as part of a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring that surgical decisions are aligned with overall treatment goals.

Timely referral to an expert team allows for proper planning, safer surgery, and better outcomes.

What Women Can Do Differently: Practical Steps That Matter

  1. Pay Attention to Persistent Symptoms

Any symptom that lasts more than two to three weeks, worsens over time, or recurs frequently should not be ignored—even if it appears mild.

  1. Seek Evaluation Early, Not Repeated Temporary Treatment

If symptoms do not improve with routine medication, further evaluation and imaging should be requested instead of repeated symptomatic treatment.

  1. Ask the Right Questions

Women should feel empowered to ask whether imaging tests are required and whether referral to an oncology specialist is appropriate.

  1. Do Not Delay Specialist Referral

If a pelvic mass or suspicious findings are detected, early referral to a multidisciplinary cancer team is critical for appropriate care.

Ovarian Cancer Recurrence: A Common Concern

Ovarian cancer may sometimes recur, even after successful initial treatment. Recurrence does not mean treatment failure—it means the disease requires reassessment and a revised treatment strategy.

Surgery, Chemotherapy and Targeted therapy may all play roles depending on the pattern of recurrence.

Breaking the Silence Around Ovarian Cancer

The term “silent cancer” should not create fear—it should promote awareness. Persistent bloating, pelvic discomfort, urinary changes, or digestive symptoms deserve medical attention.

Women seeking guidance from the best oncologist in Delhi should look for centres offering multidisciplinary expertise, timely diagnostics, and personalized care.

Expert Care and Guidance

Dr. Ashish Goel is an experienced oncologist with a strong focus on comprehensive ovarian cancer management, including surgical planning, systemic therapy coordination, and long-term care. He works closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure patient-centred treatment at every stage.

Learn more about his clinical expertise at:
https://drashishgoel.com/about-dr-ashish-goel/

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late—but it does not have to be. Awareness, early medical evaluation, and timely specialist consultation are essential.

With advances in oncology and access to expert ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment in Delhi, early action can lead to better disease control, improved comfort, and hope for the future. Dr Ashish Goel was previously Director and Head Of Surgical Oncology at Max Super Speciality Hospital Noida. Presently he is Director and Head at Action Cancer Hospital and Shri Balaji Action Hospital, Delhi. He has keen interest in Breast, Gynaecological, Head Neck, Thoracic and Esophageal, Urogenital, and GI cancer surgeries. He is an expert in Robotic Cancer Surgery.