26) Ovarian Tumors - General Characteristics

Question 1

What is an Ovarian Tumor?

Answer 1

• They’re malignancies that arise from epithelial lining of ovaries

RISK FACTORS

• Obesity / Diabetes
• Family Hx / Genetics - BRCA-1, BRCA2
• Advanced Age / Early Menarche
• Late Menopause
• Nullparity (NEW)

Question 2

What are the Types of Ovarian Tumors?

Answer 2

1) Epithelial Tumors

• Serous
• Mucinous
• Endometrioid
• Clear Cell

2) Non-Epithelial Tumors

• Sex Cord - Granulosa, Sertoli Leydig
• Germ Cells - Yolk Sac, Choriocarcinoma

Question 3

What are the GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS?

Answer 3

• Free Growth in Abdominal Cavity
• Reach larger sizes
• Round-in shape
• CFs = Pelvic Pain, Abdominal Distension, loss of appetite, Urinary Sx, Hydronephrosis (from compression of ureter)

Question 4

What are the Complications of Ovarian Tumors?

Answer 4

• Torsion
• Rupture
• Hemorrhage
• Ischemia / Necrosis
• Infection

Question 5

How are they Diagnosed?

Answer 5

• Pelvic Exam + Ultrasound
• Blood Test - Tumor Marker, CA-125

TUMOR MARKERS

• Ca-125 = serous adenocarcinoma
• AFP = endodermal sinus tumor, or yolk sac tumour
• B-hCG = chorion carcinoma
• Ca 19-9 = mucinous adenocarcinoma*

Question 6

Explain the STAGING

Answer 6

• Stage 1 = Confined to ovaries / tubes
• Stage 2 = extends BEYOND ovaries / tubes —> pelvic extension
• Stage 3 = extends to–> abdomen/ lymph nodes
• Stage 4 = metastasis to LUNGS

Question 7

How are they treated?

Answer 7

1) Surgical STAGING

• Peritoneal Cytology
• Hysterectomy
• Omentectomy

2) Surgical DEBULKING
3) Radiotherapy / Chemotherapy