Ovarian cancer is often called a "silent" cancer because its early symptoms are vague: bloating, mild pain, feeling full quickly. Women in Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Fatehpur, Mirzapur and Bhadohi often treat these signs as gas or a "stomach problem" for months. By the time the abdomen swells, the disease may have spread. This guide explains the symptoms, tests and treatment options for ovarian cancer at ZenHeal Cancer Hospital, Prayagraj, and how to get a same-day appointment.
Book Free OPD: Call +91 99307 09000. Same-day appointment with a cancer specialist at ZenHeal Prayagraj.
What is ovarian cancer?
The ovaries are two small organs on either side of the uterus that produce eggs and hormones. Ovarian cancer starts in the ovary or in the nearby fallopian tube. It can spread inside the abdomen to the lining (peritoneum), causing fluid to collect, which makes the abdomen swell.
Symptoms women should not ignore
See a doctor if any of these are new and last more than two to three weeks:
- Bloating or a feeling of a swollen, tight abdomen
- Increasing size of the abdomen, clothes feeling tight around the waist
- Feeling full quickly after small meals, loss of appetite
- Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Needing to pass urine more often or urgently
- Change in bowel habit, constipation
- Unusual tiredness or weight loss
- Bleeding after menopause
These symptoms are common and usually not cancer. What matters is that they are persistent and new. If they keep happening, get an examination and an ultrasound instead of more antacids.
Who has a higher risk?
Risk rises with age, especially after menopause. A family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer, inherited changes in BRCA1/BRCA2 genes, endometriosis, and never having been pregnant are known risk factors. If your mother, sister or daughter has had ovarian or breast cancer, tell your doctor; genetic counselling and testing may be useful.
Tests at ZenHeal Prayagraj
After a history and examination, the oncologist may advise:
- Pelvic ultrasound (often transvaginal) – to look at the ovaries.
- CA-125 blood test – supports the picture but does not confirm cancer on its own.
- CT scan of abdomen and pelvis – shows the extent of disease.
- Fluid tap or biopsy – if there is fluid in the abdomen or a mass that can be sampled safely.
- PET-CT in selected cases.
- Genetic testing (BRCA) when advised, because it can affect treatment choices and family screening.
Sometimes the final diagnosis comes only from the surgery report. Bring all previous ultrasound, CT and blood reports.
Treatment options
Surgery
Surgery is central to ovarian cancer treatment. The aim is to remove the ovaries, tubes, uterus and all visible tumour, along with nearby tissue as needed. In very early cases in young women who want children, fertility-sparing surgery may be discussed. Surgery is performed by the surgical oncology team, which includes Dr. Vishal Kewlani, Surgical Oncologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon.
Chemotherapy
Most women with ovarian cancer need chemotherapy, either after surgery or before it (to shrink the disease and make surgery safer). ZenHeal Prayagraj has a day-care chemotherapy unit, so most cycles are given without an overnight stay. Medical oncology care is led by doctors such as Dr. Mohommad Aqueel, Oncologist and Chemotherapist (MBBS, KGMU Lucknow; MD, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur).
Targeted therapy and maintenance
For some women, especially those with BRCA changes, targeted medicines such as PARP inhibitors may be used after chemotherapy to keep the disease under control. Your oncologist will explain whether this applies to you.
Supportive care
Draining abdominal fluid when it causes discomfort, nutrition support, pain control and counselling help women feel better during treatment.
Cost of ovarian cancer treatment in Prayagraj
The cost depends on the stage, the extent of surgery, the number of chemotherapy cycles and whether targeted medicines are needed. ZenHeal gives an estimate after the doctor reviews your reports.
- Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) is accepted for eligible patients.
- Cashless insurance is handled by our help desk.
- Our counsellors and the non-profit Love Heals Cancer can guide you on relief funds and NGO support.
Reaching ZenHeal Prayagraj
ZenHeal Prayagraj is in George Town, easy to reach from Civil Lines, Prayagraj Junction, Naini and Jhunsi, and by road from Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Fatehpur, Rewa side and Mirzapur. Directions and facilities are on the cancer hospital in Prayagraj page and our Prayagraj hospital page. Families closer to Varanasi, Jaunpur or Bihar can visit the ZenHeal Varanasi hospital (see cancer hospital in Varanasi).
Your first visit: what to bring and what happens
You do not need a referral letter. Call +91 99307 09000, tell the team the symptom or diagnosis, your district and the reports you already have, and ask for a same-day appointment at ZenHeal Prayagraj. On the day, bring:
- All biopsy and histopathology reports, and slides or blocks if your earlier lab gave them
- Scan reports with CDs or films (ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET-CT)
- Recent blood tests and any discharge summaries
- A written list of current medicines, including Ayurvedic or home remedies
- Aadhaar card and Ayushman Bharat card if you have one, or your insurance card
The doctor takes a detailed history, examines the patient, reviews every report and explains what is known so far and what still needs to be checked. If tests are needed, the team tries to arrange them quickly so that families travelling from far districts do not have to make many trips. Before you leave, you should know the likely diagnosis or the next test, the treatment options being considered and a rough cost estimate once the plan is clear.
How family members can help
A cancer diagnosis affects the whole household. One family member can act as the main point of contact: keep all reports in one file in date order, write down the doctor's advice, note the names and doses of medicines, and keep the hospital helpline number saved. Encourage the patient to eat small, frequent meals and stay as active as is comfortable. Watch for warning signs such as high fever, bleeding, severe vomiting or breathlessness, and call the team at once if they appear. Caregivers need rest too; take turns where possible and ask for counselling support if you feel overwhelmed.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What stage is the cancer, and what does the CT show?
- Should surgery come first, or chemotherapy first?
- Is fertility-sparing surgery possible for me?
- Should I or my family members get BRCA testing?
- How many chemotherapy cycles will I need, and what side effects should I expect?
- What follow-up tests will I need after treatment?
Support for women and families
Ovarian cancer treatment can be tiring, and many women also look after their homes and children during it. Ask a family member to come to appointments, accept help with chores, and talk openly about how you feel. Love Heals Cancer offers free counselling and caregiver support on the same helpline.
How to choose a hospital for ovarian cancer in Prayagraj
When families choose a hospital for ovarian cancer in Prayagraj, useful things to check are: a surgical oncology team experienced in abdominal cancer surgery, a day-care chemotherapy unit, access to scans and genetic testing, Ayushman Bharat support and clear, respectful communication with women patients.
Take the first step
Persistent bloating and pelvic pain deserve attention. Call +91 99307 09000 to Book Free OPD and get a same-day appointment at ZenHeal Cancer Hospital, Prayagraj. See also: our doctors, free report review and our Prayagraj hospital.