Diagnosed with Stage IV OC w/o ultra or biospy.

Began with malignant pleural effusion--estrogen receptive,
CA125 at 3100.
CT showed no distinct mass but omental stranding.
No biopsy, no ultrasound.
Pain mainly in flank increasing rapidly.
Is chemo even helpful?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi there

YES!!!
chemo is very helpful
you have the type of stage 4 ovarian cancer (malignant pleural effusion)  that should be lumped with Stage III ovarian cancer in terms of therapy and prognosis.

which is that with surgery and chemotherapy, 80% percent of women go into remission.

You should undergo a comprehensive surgery with full hysterectomy,omentectomy. followed by 6-8 cycles of carboplatin and taxol
You must see a gynecologic oncologist for your care

there is clear data that women who are cared for by gyn oncologists do better and live longer.

here are some articles:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17540806

http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/29/7/832.abstract

best wishes