Ovarian Cancer Flashcards
What is the epidemiology of ovarian cancer?
- 600 cases per year in Scotland
- 400 deaths per year in Scotland
- 5year survival all stages 40-45%
- Most present with advanced disease
What is the origin of ovarian cancer?
- Most cases originate from the fallopian tube
- Some from pre-existing benign ovarian cysts (often low grade cancers)
What medication is protective in ovarian cancer?
OCP
In what age group is ovarian cancer rare?
<30 years
What families are at high risk?
Account for 5-10% of cases and include:
- HNPCC/Lynch type II familial cancer syndrome
- BRCA1
- BRCA2
What is the inheritance of BRCA genes?
Autosomal dominant
What are BRCA genes?
Tumour suppressor genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle control
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
VERY VAGUE
- Indigestion/early satiety/ poor appetite
- Altered bowel habit/pain
- Bloating/discomfort/weight gain
- Pelvic mass (asymptomatic or pressure symptoms)
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
- Surgical/Pathological
- US Scan abdomen and pelvis
- CT Scan
- CA 125
- Surgery
What is CA 125?
A glyco-protein antigen
What malignancies is CA 125 associated with?
- Ovarian
- Colon/pancreas
- Breast
What benign conditions is CA 125 associated with?
- Menstruation/endometriosis/PID
- Liver disease/recent surgery/effusions
What is the association between CA 125 and ovarian cancer?
- 80% of women with ovarian cancer have a raised CA 125
- 50% of women with stage 1 disease
What role does CA 125 play in ovarian cancer?
Used to detect and monitor epithelial ovarian tumour
What is used to determine risk of ovarian cancer?
Risk of malignancy index