Best Ovarian Cancer Doctors in NYC
The best ovarian cancer care is provided by fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologists practicing at high-volume specialized hospitals, as they consistently achieve better surgical outcomes and survival rates for patients with ovarian cancer. 1, 2, 3
Why Gynecologic Oncologists Are Essential
Gynecologic oncologists provide superior care for ovarian cancer patients compared to general surgeons or general gynecologists for several important reasons:
- They perform more complete surgical staging and optimal debulking procedures (2.3 times more likely to achieve complete tumor removal) 3
- They are more likely to follow evidence-based treatment protocols 4
- Patients treated by gynecologic oncologists have significantly longer survival (5-8 months longer median survival for advanced disease) 3
- Lower likelihood of requiring ostomy creation during surgery (4.5 times lower than general surgeons) 2
- No increase in surgical complication rates despite more extensive procedures 3
Hospital Setting Matters
Treatment at high-volume specialized centers is associated with better outcomes:
- Higher rates of optimal surgical debulking (odds ratios 1.9-6.0) 3
- More consistent administration of appropriate chemotherapy regimens (1-15% higher rates) 3
- Longer overall survival compared to low-volume hospitals 2
- Better access to clinical trials and multidisciplinary care 1
Recommended Approach to Finding the Best Doctors
When seeking ovarian cancer care in NYC:
- Look for gynecologic oncologists who are fellowship-trained and board-certified 1
- Choose physicians practicing at high-volume cancer centers 2
- Consider doctors affiliated with institutions participating in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) 1
- Seek specialists with experience in the specific type of ovarian cancer (high-grade serous, clear cell, mucinous, etc.) 1
- Consider specialists who offer both surgical expertise and knowledge of current chemotherapy protocols 1
The Importance of Comprehensive Care
The best ovarian cancer doctors provide or coordinate:
- Accurate surgical staging and optimal cytoreduction (removal of all visible disease) 1
- Appropriate adjuvant therapy based on stage and histologic subtype 1
- Genetic risk evaluation for hereditary cancer syndromes 1
- Access to clinical trials when appropriate 1
- Management of treatment-related side effects 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Receiving initial surgery from a non-specialist can compromise outcomes and survival 2, 3
- Older patients often receive less aggressive treatment despite potential benefits from standard care 5
- Delayed referral to gynecologic oncologists can result in suboptimal initial surgery 1
- Incomplete surgical staging can lead to inappropriate treatment decisions 1
- Failure to consider clinical trials as part of treatment planning 1
Remember that patients with ovarian cancer should be evaluated by a gynecologic oncologist before being considered for any treatment approach, as this has been shown to result in a significant survival advantage 1.