Ovarian cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. According to statistics, it affects women of varied age groups and lifestyles. Although the causes are ambiguous, advanced medical studies have formulated its probable risk factors. Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment in ovarian cancer. It is believed to be a systemic approach to dealing with this type of cancer. Chemo is a therapy with the administration of drugs to cure cancer.

This particular type of treatment may be advised before or after the actual surgery, depending on the extent and size of cancer. Here are some particulars concerning chemo for ovarian cancer treatment:

1. Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer treatment
Chemo refers to the standard oral medicines that destroy cancerous cells in any part of the body, as they enter the bloodstream and reach every minuscule location in our system. Hence, it can be used either before or after the surgical procedures. Primarily, it is a routine practice to understand and estimate the type of cancer first.

2. When chemo is used
Chemotherapy is a common type of ovarian cancer treatment that may be administered for two different conditions. Firstly, in case the cancer is found to have penetrated to other areas in tiny proportions. In such patients, chemo may be an accepted type of treatment. Most importantly, chemo is done here after surgery to restrict tiny cancerous cells that may have escaped into other parts of the body. Secondly, it could be recommended to those with large tumors. Hence, the chemo may reduce its size and facilitate a less complicated surgical process. Normally, this is part of the pre-surgery ovarian cancer treatment.

3. Common ovarian cancer types
At this juncture, it is important to know that there are various categories in ovarian cancer. Some of the common ovarian cancers are as follows:

• Ovarian epithelial cancer
• Fallopian tube cancer
• Primary peritoneal cancer
• Ovarian germ cell tumor
• Ovarian low malignant potential tumor

4. Some effective drugs in chemotherapy
When it comes to chemotherapy, oncologists initially rely on conventional drugs. A combination of Taxane such as Taxol (Paclitaxel) or Taxotere (Docetaxel) with platinum induced drugs like Carboplatin or Cisplatin is offered in ovarian cancer treatment with chemo. The therapy using chemo is generally frequented in three to six cycles. Furthermore, chemo repetitions may be formalized with an assessment of the progression of the disease as well as the type of ovarian cancer. Usually, the chemo may last six cycles with regular periods of rest.

5. Chemo side effects
Chemotherapy is a successful type of treatment that is universally trusted and widely practiced. However, one should understand that any treatment of such magnitude may come with side-effects, and chemo is no exception. While it kills the cancerous cells, chemo may also destroy the healthy cells associated with growth and immunity. For instance, our white blood cells are removed in this process resulting in reduced immunity and increased infections. Hair follicles tend to be damaged, and thus, hair loss is a common complaint among patients. A reduction in the red blood cells leads to less oxygen in the body causing anemia and fatigue. Cells that line the stomach could be invaded, affecting healthy digestion and giving rise to vomiting or diarrhea. Fortunately, despite side-effects, chemo is still efficient in controlling or eliminating tumors.