Ovarian Cancer Flashcards Preview

Year 3 Reproductive > Ovarian Cancer > Flashcards

Flashcards in Ovarian Cancer Deck (18)
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1
Q

From where does ovarian cancer arise?

A

Most actually arise from the fallopian tube

Some arise from benign ovarian cysts, these are generally lower grade cancers

2
Q

Some people are at a higher genetic risk of developing ovarian cancer, who dis?

A
  • People in HNPCC families

- Or carriers of BRCA genes

3
Q

What are the BRCA genes?

A

Tumour suppressor genes

Certain mutations are passed on by Autosomal Dominant inheritence

4
Q

How much risk are BRCA 1 & 2 carriers at?

A

15-45% lifetime risk of Ovarian Cancer

Also develop Ovarian and breast very young

5
Q

What other things are risk factors for Ovarian CanceR?

A
Being older
Incessant ovulation (i.e. not using OCP or being pregnant)
6
Q

How does Ovarian Cancer present?

A

Notoriously vague symptoms:

  • abdo distension & bloating
  • abdo / pelvic pain
  • urinary symptoms
  • poor appetite / early satiety

May feel a pelvic mass

7
Q

How do we test if we suspect ovarian cancer?

A

CA125 test
USS - pelvic & abdomen

+/- CT

8
Q

What is CA 125?

A

A serum biomarker raised in peritoneal damage e.g. ascites, endometriosis, PID, breast cancer, liver disease or ovarian cancer

9
Q

How do we calculate risk for Ovarian cancer?

This is useful as we cant easily examine for it as we would for cervical cancer for example

A

Risk of malignancy index (RMI): US x M x CA125

US - US features of malignancy
M - Menopausal status

10
Q

What US featuers apply to the RMI?

A

1 feature = 1point
2+ = 3 points

  • Multi-locular
  • Solid areas
  • Bilateral
  • Ascites
  • Intra-abdominal
11
Q

How do we score a woman’s menopausal status on RMI?

A
Pre-menopause = 1
Post-menopause = 3
12
Q

Whats an abnormal CA125?

A

> 35

13
Q

How is Ovarian cancer treated?

A

Laparotomy with adjuvant/neo-adjuvant chemo

14
Q

What is ovarian cancer recurs?

A

2nd line chemo
Repeat surgery

If that fails or isn’t tolerated can try Tamoxifen

15
Q

How do we stage ovarian cancer/

A
Pathology after surgery:
1 = Ovarian with capsule intact
2 = spread into pelvis
3 = Peritoneal implants outside pelvis or nodal involvement
4 = Distant mets
16
Q

Who would we screen for ovarian cancer?

A

Only high risk women i.e.:

  • Carrying BRCA genes or HNPCC
  • 2+ relatives with OC
17
Q

How do we screen for ovarian cancer?

A

Pelvic exam, US & CA125

18
Q

What can we do for very high risk women?

A

Prophylactic Oophorectomy once they’re done having family, usually around 40