Ovarian Cancer Flashcards
What are the ovaries?
The ovum producing organs in the female reproductive system
What are the three pathological origins of ovarian cancer?
Fimbrae Origin
Ovarian Cyst Origin
Endometriosis Origin
What is the most common origin of ovarian cancer?
Fimbriae origin
Describe fimbriae origin of ovarian cancer
During ovulation, there is epithelial irritation
This can affect the fimbriae of the fallopian tube
This irritation causes serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC), which can then seed into the ovary
What grade of serous carcinoma develops from the epithelium of the fimbrae?
High grade
What three mutations are associated with ovarian cancer from the epithelium of fimbrae?
p53 mutations
BRCA1 mutations
BRCA2 mutations
What type of ovarian cysts can lead to ovarian cancer? Are these benign or malignant?
Serous cystadenoma ovarian cysts
Benign
What grade of serous carcinoma develops from ovarian cysts?
Low grade
When do cysts possess a high risk of malignancy?
When they develop post menopause
Describe how endometriosis can develop into ovarian cancer
Endometriomas within the ovary can become atypical and develop into carcinoma over time
What are the seven risk factors of ovarian cancer?
Advanced Age > 60
Nulliparity
Early Menarche/Late Menopause
BRCA1 & BRCA2 Mutations
HNPCC (Lynch Syndrome)
Obesity
Smoking
What are the three protective risk factors against ovarian cancer? How?
Combined contraceptive methods
Multiparity
Breastfeeding
These factors stop ovulation or reduce the number of lifetime ovulations
Why are early menarche, late menopause and nulliparity risk factors of ovarian cancer?
These factors increase ovulation, which causes epithelial irritation and thus proliferative changes
What are the six clinical features of ovarian cancer?
Abdominal Bloating
Pelvic Pain
Early Satiety
Indigestion
Urinary Symptoms
Altered Bowel Habit
What are the four investigations used to diagnose ovarian cancer?
Blood Tests
Ultrasound Scan
Biopsy
Paracentesis
What is the first line investigation used to diagnose ovarian cancer?
Blood tests
What blood test is used to investigate ovarian cancer?
CA125
What is CA125?
A tumour marker for epithelial cell ovarian cancer
What grade of ovarian cancer is usually detected by CA125 bloods?
High grade