Description
Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour that develops in the ovaries, the ends of the fallopian tubes or related peritoneal tissue. The ovaries produce eggs and female hormones. The most common form is epithelial ovarian cancer, and some cases are now believed to begin in the end of a fallopian tube.
Early symptoms may be subtle and can be mistaken for indigestion, bloating or common gynaecological discomfort. Persistent or worsening abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly or urinary frequency should be assessed. There is no routine screening test suitable for every woman at average risk, so people at high hereditary risk need individual specialist advice.
Types
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: The most common group, including high-grade serous, endometrioid, clear cell and mucinous cancers.
Germ Cell Tumours:Rare tumours that usually occur in younger women and begin in egg-producing cells.
Sex Cord-Stromal Tumours:Begin in hormone-producing tissue and may cause menstrual or hormone-related symptoms.
Borderline Tumours:Contain abnormal cells but have lower invasive potential and differ from typical invasive ovarian cancer in treatment and outlook.
Stages
Ovarian cancer is usually staged using the FIGO system, based on surgery, imaging and pathological findings.
Stage I: Cancer is limited to one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Stage II: Cancer has spread to other tissues or organs within the pelvis.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to the peritoneum, abdominal lymph nodes or abdominal tissue outside the pelvis.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread beyond the abdominal cavity to distant sites such as the chest, lungs, liver tissue or other organs.
Risk Factors
The following factors may increase the risk, but having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will develop cancer:
Increasing age, particularly after menopause
Family history of ovarian, breast or related cancers
Inherited changes such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome
Never having been pregnant or certain infertility-related factors
Endometriosis, which is associated with some ovarian cancer subtypes
Overweight or obesity
Use of oestrogen-only therapy after menopause
Symptoms
Early disease may not cause obvious symptoms. Medical evaluation is recommended when any of the following symptoms persist, recur, or gradually worsen:
Persistent abdominal bloating or increasing abdominal size
Pelvic or abdominal pain or pressure
Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
Urinary frequency or urgency
Changes in bowel habits
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Abnormal menstrual bleeding or bleeding after menopause
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually combines medical history, physical examination, imaging, laboratory tests, and pathology. The exact tests are selected by the doctor according to the individual case.
Gynaecological Assessment
Medical history and pelvic examination
Assessment of symptom duration, family history and hereditary risk
Imaging
Pelvic ultrasound, often including transvaginal ultrasound
CT or MRI to assess the extent of disease
Chest imaging when required
Blood Tests
CA-125 and other tumour markers may support assessment but cannot confirm cancer on their own
Full blood count and liver and kidney function tests
Pathology and Staging
Tissue obtained by surgery or biopsy is examined to confirm the type and stage
BRCA or other genetic testing may be recommended
Facts (FAQ)
Q: Does early ovarian cancer cause symptoms?
A: It may cause no clear symptoms or only mild bloating, discomfort or appetite changes. Persistent, frequent symptoms that are different from normal should be assessed.
Q: Does a raised CA-125 level mean ovarian cancer?
A: Not necessarily. Menstruation, endometriosis, inflammation and other benign conditions can also raise CA-125.
Q: Should all women undergo regular ovarian cancer screening?
A: Current evidence does not support routine screening for all symptom-free women at average risk. High-risk individuals should seek gynaecological or genetic advice.
Q: Can ovarian cancer be inherited?
A: Some cases are linked to BRCA1, BRCA2, Lynch syndrome and other inherited factors. Genetic counselling may be appropriate when the family history is significant.
Q: Can ovarian cancer be cured?
A: The chance of successful treatment is higher when the disease is found early. Advanced disease may still be controlled with surgery, medicines and maintenance therapy, depending on the subtype and response.
Prostate cancer
Endometrial Cancer
Tongue Cancer
Ovarian Cancer Stages and Corresponding 5-year Survival Rate
Ovarian Cancer Stage I: 85%-90%;
Ovarian Cancer Stage II: 70%-73%;
Ovarian Cancer Stage III: 39%;
Ovarian Cancer Stage IV: 17%.
The staging of ovarian cancer is of great significance to the treatment plan and treatment effect. The extent, size and metastasis of the tumor affect the doctor's choice of treatment plan. The age, menopause and overall health status of the woman may have an impact on treatment options and prognosis.
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*Disclaimer: The effect of treatment varies from person to person. The information on the website of Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou is for reference only, and cannot be used as the basis for medical diagnosis and treatment, nor can it replace the doctor's diagnosis and treatment. For more details, please review the Liability Clause.
