Ovarian Cancer Flashcards
What is the most common type of ovarian cancer?
Epithelial cell tumour
What are the other types of ovarian tumours?
Germ cell tumours
Sex-cord stromal tumours
What are germ cell tumours associated with?
Ovarian torsion
What tumour markers may be present in someone with a germ cell ovarian tumour?
Alpha fetoprotein
Beta hCG
What age group are germ cell ovarian tumours most common in?
Young women
What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?
Age > 60
BRCA 1 and 2 genes
Increased number of ovulations
Obesity
Smoking
What are the protective factors for ovarian cancer?
Oral contraceptive pill
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Early menopause
What is the presentation of ovarian cancer?
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Early satiety
Loss of appetite
Pelvic pain
Weight loss
Abdominal or pelvic mass
Ascites
When should someone be referred on a 2 week wait?
Ascites
Pelvic mass
Abdominal mass
What are the initial investigations for ovarian cancer?
CA-125
Pelvic ultrasound
What other investigations may be performed for diagnosis of ovarian cancer?
CT scan
Laparotomy for biopsy
Alpha fetoprotein and beta hCG
Ascitic tap to look for cancer cells
What are the other causes of a raised CA-125?
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Pelvic infection
Liver disease
Pregnancy
Adenomyosis
Ascites
Endometrial cancer, breast cancer, metastatic lung cancer
Menstruation
What is the staging of ovarian cancer?
Stage 1 - Confined to the ovary
Stage 2 - Spread from the ovary but still inside the pelvis
Stage 3 - Spread past the pelvis, but inside the abdomen
Stage 4 - Spread outside the abdomen
A - confined to one ovary
B - Both ovaries
What is the management of ovarian cancer?
Surgery
- Removal of ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus
Chemotherapy
Where does ovarian cancer commonly metastasise to?
Liver
Lung
