Ovarian Cancer Staging Surgery in Mumbai: Expert Care by Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar

Ovarian cancer can be challenging to identify in its early stages because its symptoms often resemble common digestive or hormonal problems. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are essential for managing the disease effectively. Ovarian cancer staging surgery in Mumbai helps specialists determine whether cancer is confined to the ovaries or has spread to surrounding tissues and organs. This information plays a vital role in selecting the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.

Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar, a specialist in gynaecological oncosurgery and minimally invasive surgery, provides individualized evaluation and surgical care for women with suspected or confirmed ovarian cancer. Practicing at Kirit Nursing Home and other hospitals in Mumbai, she combines specialized training with a patient-focused approach to complex gynaecological conditions.

What Is Ovarian Cancer Staging Surgery?

Ovarian cancer staging surgery is a procedure performed to establish the extent of cancer within the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvis, and abdominal cavity. It allows the surgical team to collect tissue samples, examine potentially affected areas, and determine the stage and type of cancer through pathological analysis.

The procedure may involve examining the abdominal and pelvic organs, collecting fluid or tissue samples, removing affected reproductive organs, and assessing the omentum or lymph nodes when indicated. The exact surgical plan depends on the suspected cancer type, imaging results, the patient’s health, and fertility preferences.

Accurate staging helps doctors determine whether surgery alone may be sufficient or whether additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy, should be considered.

Why Is Ovarian Cancer Staging Important?

Staging provides essential information about the extent of the disease and helps guide treatment decisions. Without an accurate assessment, cancer may be underestimated or the patient may receive treatment that is more extensive than necessary.

The main objectives of staging surgery include:

• Determining the extent of cancer: Establishing whether the disease is limited to the ovaries or has spread elsewhere.
• Obtaining tissue for diagnosis: Allowing pathologists to identify the cancer type and other important tumour characteristics.
• Assessing surrounding structures: Examining tissues and organs that may be affected by the disease.
• Planning further treatment: Helping the oncology team decide whether chemotherapy or other therapies are appropriate.
• Evaluating fertility-preserving options: Considering whether reproductive organs can safely be preserved in selected early-stage cases.

Women considering Ovarian cancer staging surgery in Mumbai should discuss the expected benefits, risks, and alternatives with a qualified gynaecological oncologist.

What Are the Different Stages of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is generally classified into four main stages. The final stage is determined by clinical evaluation, surgical findings, and laboratory reports.

Stage I: Cancer limited to the ovaries or fallopian tubes

The disease is confined to one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes. Depending on the tumour type and individual circumstances, selected patients may be eligible for fertility-sparing treatment.

Stage II: Cancer involving pelvic structures

The cancer has spread to other tissues within the pelvis, such as the uterus or other pelvic organs, but has not met the criteria for more advanced spread.

Stage III: Cancer involving the abdominal lining or certain lymph nodes

The disease has spread beyond the pelvis to the peritoneum or certain lymph nodes in the abdomen. Treatment may involve extensive surgery and chemotherapy.

Stage IV: Cancer involving distant organs

The disease has spread to distant sites, such as the tissue inside the lungs or the liver itself. Treatment planning usually involves a multidisciplinary oncology team.

Understanding these stages helps patients make informed decisions about their care and expected treatment pathway.

Who May Need Ovarian Cancer Staging Surgery in Mumbai?

A specialist may recommend staging surgery when investigations identify an ovarian mass with suspicious features or when ovarian cancer has been confirmed or is strongly suspected.

Factors that may prompt further evaluation include:

• An ovarian mass with concerning ultrasound or CT scan findings.
• Elevated CA-125 or other relevant tumour markers, interpreted alongside clinical findings.
• Persistent abdominal bloating, pelvic discomfort, or abdominal swelling.
• A strong family history or an identified inherited cancer-risk mutation.
• Biopsy or surgical findings suggesting a borderline or malignant ovarian tumour.

Not every ovarian cyst requires surgery, and an elevated CA-125 level does not automatically mean cancer is present. The decision should follow a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, imaging, blood tests, medical history, and overall health.

How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed Before Surgery?

Diagnosis usually involves several investigations rather than a single test. A pelvic examination can help identify abnormalities, while transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound provides information about the size and appearance of an ovarian mass.

Blood tests, including CA-125 where appropriate, may help assess the likelihood of malignancy. CT or MRI scans may be recommended to evaluate the possible spread of disease and assist with surgical planning.

The specialist reviews these findings alongside the patient’s symptoms, age, medical history, and reproductive goals. Depending on the findings, additional tests or a multidisciplinary review may be necessary before surgery.

What Happens During Ovarian Cancer Staging Surgery?

The procedure is performed under anaesthesia. The surgeon examines the abdomen and pelvis for suspicious lesions and assesses the extent of the disease. Depending on the clinical situation, the operation may include:

• Collection of abdominal fluid or washings for laboratory examination.
• Biopsies of suspicious tissue.
• Removal of one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• Removal of the uterus and cervix when indicated.
• Assessment or removal of the omentum and selected lymph nodes, depending on the cancer type and surgical findings.

In selected cases, laparoscopic or robotic techniques may be suitable. However, open surgery may be recommended when the tumour is extensive or when it offers a safer way to examine the abdomen and remove disease thoroughly.

The goal is to achieve accurate staging and, when appropriate, remove as much cancer as safely possible. The final plan is individualized rather than identical for every patient.

Recovery and Possible Risks After Surgery

Recovery depends on the extent of surgery, the approach used, the patient’s general health, and whether additional treatment is required. Hospital stay and return to everyday activities vary between patients.

Following surgery, patients may experience temporary pain, fatigue, bloating, or changes in bowel function. Potential complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots, injury to nearby organs, and risks associated with anaesthesia. Extensive surgery may also affect hormonal function and fertility, particularly if both ovaries are removed.

Patients should follow their surgeon’s instructions regarding wound care, movement, medication, diet, and follow-up visits. Fever, worsening abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty, or other concerning symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Will Chemotherapy Be Required After Staging Surgery?

Not every patient needs chemotherapy. The recommendation depends on the final pathology report, cancer subtype, grade, stage, and completeness of surgical treatment.

Some selected patients with early-stage disease may be managed with surgery and surveillance. Others may benefit from chemotherapy after surgery to address cancer cells that could remain in the body. Targeted treatments may also be appropriate for certain tumour types or patients with specific molecular findings.

The oncology team explains the expected benefits, possible side effects, and timing of additional treatment. Follow-up appointments help monitor recovery and identify any concerns that need further assessment.

Why Choose Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar?

Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar has specialized training in gynaecological oncosurgery, robotic surgery, and minimally invasive gynaecology. Her qualifications include MBBS, MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, MRCOG (UK), and FMAS (MUHS).

She completed advanced fellowship training in gynaecological oncosurgery and robotic surgery at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea and undertook visiting-scholar training in minimally invasive gynaecology at Mount Sinai Hospital and Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, Canada. Her clinical and academic work includes research and publications relating to gynaecological conditions and surgical care.

As a Top Gynae Oncologist In Mumbai, Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar focuses on evaluating complex gynaecological conditions and developing treatment plans based on each patient’s diagnosis and needs. Her expertise in laparoscopic and robotic techniques supports the assessment of suitable surgical options, although the safest approach depends on the individual case.

Patients seeking a Gynecologist In Vile Parle, Mumbai can contact her practice to enquire about consultation arrangements. Her care approach emphasizes explaining the diagnosis, discussing available options, and helping patients understand the next steps.

Book a consultation with Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar at Kirit Nursing Home to discuss your diagnosis and suitable treatment options.

 +91 72087 27500 | +91 97023 58222
info@drmaitreyeegynec.in
Get Directions to the Clinic – Kirit Nursing Home, Vile Parle

Early specialist evaluation can help you understand your condition and make informed decisions about your care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main purpose of ovarian cancer staging surgery?

The main purpose is to determine how far cancer has spread, obtain tissue samples for accurate diagnosis, and guide decisions about further treatment. The procedure may also remove affected tissues when appropriate.

2. Is ovarian cancer staging surgery always performed through open surgery?

No. Laparoscopic or robotic surgery may be appropriate for selected patients with suspected early-stage disease. Open surgery may be preferred when the tumour’s size or extent requires a more extensive procedure.

3. Will I need chemotherapy after ovarian cancer staging surgery?

Not everyone requires chemotherapy. The decision depends on the final pathology report, cancer stage, tumour type, and other clinical factors. Your oncology team will explain the recommended treatment plan.

4. Can fertility be preserved during ovarian cancer staging surgery?

Fertility preservation may be possible for selected patients with certain early-stage cancers. It depends on the tumour type, stage, and safety of retaining reproductive organs. Discuss future pregnancy plans with your specialist before surgery.