Understanding this cancer
Ovarian cancer includes several diseases arising in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or peritoneum. High-grade serous carcinoma is a common epithelial type. Pathology, stage, genetics and fitness guide treatment.
Signs to discuss with a doctor
Persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, urinary urgency or frequency, bowel changes, fatigue or unexplained weight change should be assessed when new and frequent.
Risk factors
Age, family history and inherited variants including BRCA1/2 and Lynch syndrome can increase risk. Endometriosis is linked with some rarer subtypes.
Tests and diagnosis
Evaluation may include pelvic examination, ultrasound, CT and blood markers such as CA-125, but no single test confirms cancer. Diagnosis usually requires pathology from surgery or biopsy. Genetic and tumour testing are often important.
Treatment approaches
Treatment commonly uses surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. Targeted maintenance medicines may be considered according to BRCA or homologous-recombination findings and response. Other systemic treatments are used in selected settings.
Prevention and screening
There is no reliable population screening test for average-risk people. Those with strong family history should seek genetic counselling. Risk-reducing surgery may be discussed for certain confirmed inherited variants after individualized counselling.
Questions for your care team
Has a gynaecologic oncologist reviewed the case? What is the pathology and stage? Do I need germline and tumour testing? What is the goal and sequence of surgery and drug treatment?