Gynae Cancer Flashcards
What is ovarian cancer and why does it usually present late
Cancer of the ovaries
presents late due to non- specific sx
types of ovarian cancer
- epithelial cell tumor
- dermoid cyst/ germ cell tumor
- sex cord stromal tumor
- metastasis from other cancer
RF for ovarian cancer
- Age (peaks age 60)
-BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (consider the family history) - Increased number of ovulations
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Recurrent use of clomifene
what is clomifene
fertility drug used to treat women that need help with ovary stimulation
What are epithelial cell tumor and what can they be split into
Tumors that arise from the epithelial cells
Serous tumours (the most common)
Endometrioid carcinomas
Clear cell tumours
Mucinous tumours
Undifferentiated tumours
What are dermoid cysts
benign ovarian tumors , teratomas which come from germ cells
what can germ cell tumours cause
alpha - fetoprotein rise
hCG rise
what are sex cord stroll tumors
rare tumors
arise from stroma or sex cords
what type of cancer usually metastasis to the ovary
GI tumor
Factors that increase the number of ovulations, increase the risk of ovarian cancer
- early onset period
- late menopause
- no pregnancies
protective factors of ovarian cancer
COOP
Breastfeeding
pREGNANCY
Presentation of ovarian cancer
Abdominal bloating
Early satiety (feeling full after eating)
Loss of appetite
Pelvic pain
Urinary symptoms (frequency / urgency)
Weight loss
Abdominal or pelvic mass
Ascite
what three sx would cause you to refer pt for 2 week referral
ascites
pelvic mass
abdominal mass
initial investigations for OC
CA125 blood test
pelvic ultrasound
investigations in secondary care will include
CT SCAN- for diagnosis and staging
Histology
Paracentesis
