Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

OVERVIEW

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a self descriptive condition.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

While the exact mechanism is not completely understood, it seems as though repeated trauma and repair of the ovary surface increase the risk of EOC. The most clear example of this is ovulation. In essence, repeat ovulation seems to increase the risk of EOC.

WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?

Risk Factors:

Infertility, nulliparity, endometriosis, BRCA1/BRAC2 mutations, Lynch syndrome, postmenopausal age

Initial Presentation

  • Abodminla distention/ascities
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased appetite
CLINICAL WORKUP

Tumor marker analysis: 

  • Elevated cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) in the setting of a postmenopausal woman is concerning for EOC.
PREVENTION

Protective Factors:

Oral contraceptive usage, multiparty, breastfeeding, tubal ligation, sapling-oophorectomy

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 10.29.2016