If ovarian cancer is detected, then treatment is usually the next course of action that is suggested by the doctor. It is important to have a thorough knowledge of all the available treatment options for ovarian cancer. Further, it is crucial to weigh all the pros and cons of treatment before making a decision. Here are a few ways in which ovarian cancer can be treated:

Surgery
There are four different types of surgical operations that may be performed for the removal of ovarian cancer. These include:

• Unilateral oophorectomy
  If the cancer has not spread beyond a single ovary, then a single ovary and fallopian tube. This procedure is called a unilateral oophorectomy.

• Bilateral oophorectomy
  If the cancer has aggravated and affected both the ovaries, but there are no further signs of cancer beyond that, then the surgeon will will remove both the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The uterus stays intact under the procedure.

• Oophorectomy with hysterectomy
  The removal of ovaries as well as uterus is done if the cancer has spread further. Herein, the surgery will remove the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, along with the abnormal fatty tissue and lymph nodes.

• Surgery for advanced cancer
  If cancer has advanced, then advanced surgery is performed after chemotherapy to eliminate it.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be used both before and after surgery to get rid of the cancer cells. The drugs used in chemotherapy are powerful and are injected via an IV. At times, they may even be injected in the abdomen to ensure that the medicine directly reaches the affected body part. These drugs have side effects, and primarily so if the cancer has spread across the body.

Targeted therapy
Under this form of therapy, specific treatments are used to target the cells that are causing cancer. These include angiogenesis inhibitors or monoclonal antibody therapy.

Radiation
In radiation, high-beam X-rays are used to combat cancer cells, which may still be remaining in the pelvic region. Radiation is also used if cancer recurs after treatment.

Biotherapy or immunotherapy
It is a popular treatment option for ovarian cancer, and is used to boost the immune system’s ability to protect the body against the persistent impact of cancer. Immunotherapy involves injecting substances that will use the immune system to first locate the tumor and then kill it. It is incredibly helpful in treating people whose cancer has aggravated and reached an advanced stage.