-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
reproductive system
ovarian cancer
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
20% of all gynecologic neoplasms occur in the ovaries. They usually remain undetected until they have extended or metastasized to other areas. Change in size noted in a routine pelvic exam is often the first sign and an enlarged ovary in a post-menopausal woman should be highly suspect.

etiology:
Ovarian tumors are the fifth greatest cause of death in U.S. women. They may be serous, mucinous, adenocarcinoma, and unclassified. They have usually progressed far before diagnosis is made.

signs and symptoms

signs and symptoms:
Usually few and late in onset:
• pelvic uneasiness, discomfort
• inappropriate bleeding (from hormone secretion)
Much later:
• abdominal swelling
• edema in abdomen (ascites)
• pelvic pain

lab findings:
• associated with local effects of tumor and type
• Pap smear
• Laparoscopy

course and prognosis

The disease incidence is highest in women in their 5th decade of life. The tumor often grows undetected as symptoms may be vague and mild until the disease has progressed and metastasized.
Hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy are often the surgical treatments of choice. Conventional physicians also use radiation and chemotherapy, which now claims around 50% remission rates after several years.

differential diagnosis

• ovarian cysts
• depends on symptomatology


footnotes