Ovarian cancer Flashcards
(15 cards)
Why does ovarian cancer have a worse prognosis?
Because it usually presents late due to non specific symptoms so most patients present after it has spread beyond the pelvis.
What is the most common type of ovarian cancer?
Epithelial cell tumours.
What are dermoid cysts?
Benign ovarian tumours which are teratomas so come from germ cells.
What are dermoid cysts associated with?
Ovarian torsion.
What will be raised in dermoid cysts?
Alpha fetoprotein and hCG.
What are sex cord stromal tumours?
Rare tumours which can be benign or malignant which arise from stroma or sex cords.
What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?
Age (peaks age 60), BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, increased number of ovulations, nulliparity, obesity, smoking, recurrent use of clomifene.
What are protective factors against ovarian cancer?
COCP, breastfeeding, pregnancy.
How does ovarian cancer present?
Abdominal bloating, distention, early satiety, loss of appetite, pelvic and abdominal pain, urinary symptoms (e.g., urgency), diarrhoea, weight loss, mass, ascites.
Why would you get referred hip or groin pain?
Ovarian mass may press on obturator nerve.
When do you refer via 2 week wait?
Ascites, pelvic mass, abdominal mass.
What initial investigations are done for ovarian cancer?
CA125 blood test (over 35 IU/ml is significant), pelvic USS.
What other investigations would you do for ovarian cancer?
CT scan to establish diagnosis and stage cancer, histology, paracentesis.
What is the staging for ovarian cancer?
Stage 1: confined to ovary, Stage 2: spread past ovary but inside pelvis, Stage 3: spread past pelvis but inside abdomen, Stage 4: spread outside the abdomen.
What is the management for ovarian cancer?
Surgery & chemotherapy (platinum based).
