Cecilia Hart, wife of legendary actor James Earl Jones has died following a year-long battle with ovarian cancer.
The 68-year-old actress and Jones, 85, were married for 34 years and had 1 son, Flynn.
She passed away on Sunday, according to Connecticut’s WestportNow newspaper.
Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and belly. Late stage ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and can be fatal.
Ovarian cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. Later stages are associated with symptoms, but they can be non-specific, such as loss of appetite and weight loss.
Ovarian cancer requires a medical diagnosis and follow-up by a team of specialists including OB/GYN, oncologist, radiation oncologist, pathologist, radiologist and surgeon
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. Later stages are associated with symptoms, but they can be non-specific, such as loss of appetite and weight loss.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic tools include pelvic examination, Pap smear, biopsy using laparotomy: surgical opening made in the abdomen to diagnose or treat various diseases. Also blood tests looking for specific cancer antigen; Ultrasound, MRI or CT scans, etc.
Treatment
Surgery and chemotherapy are generally used to treat ovarian cancer.
Surgery includes partial or total removal of the uterus and ovaries or fallopian tubes; resection or dissection of the peritoneal lymph nodes; surgical removal of all or part of the abdominal lining.
Medications include chemotherapy, which kills cells that are growing or multiplying too quickly; medications to treat side effects of chemotherapy and radiation including meds for pain and nausea, vomiting, antibiotics to prevent infection, etc.
Radiation uses x-rays and other high-energy rays to kill abnormal cells.
This has been your Medical Minute.
More Info On the Web
Ovarian Cancer — Mayo Clinic
Ovarian Cancer — Cancer.org
Ovarian Cancer — WebMD
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