ovary epithelial cancer

Ovarian Epithelial Cancer: An Overview

Ovarian epithelial cancer, also known as ovarian epithelial carcinoma, is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for more than 95% of all ovarian cancers [4]. It arises from the surface layer covering the ovary and can be further classified into different subtypes based on histologic classification.

Types of Ovarian Epithelial Cancer

There are several subtypes of ovarian epithelial cancer, including:

• Serous carcinoma: This is the most common subtype, accounting for about 70% of all ovarian epithelial cancers [11].
• Mucinous carcinoma: This subtype accounts for about 10-15% of all ovarian epithelial cancers [11].

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of ovarian epithelial cancer is still unknown. However, several risk factors have been identified, including:

• Age: The risk of developing ovarian epithelial cancer increases with age [5].
• Family history: Women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer are at higher risk [4].
• Genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase the risk of developing ovarian epithelial cancer [4].

Symptoms

The symptoms of ovarian epithelial cancer can be non-specific and may include:

• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Feeling of pressure in the abdomen or pelvis
• Clear, white or bloody vaginal discharge

Prognosis

The prognosis for ovarian epithelial cancer depends on various factors, including age and overall health. Early detection generally means a better prognosis [5]. For ovarian cancer diagnosed and treated at stage 1, the five-year relative survival rate is about 94 percent, according to the ACS [6].

References:

[4] - Epithelial ovarian malignancies are subdivided by histologic classification as diagnostic assessment [4] [5] - Epithelial ovarian cancer prognosis depends on various factors, including age and overall health. Early detection generally means a better prognosis [5] [6] - About 20 percent of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at stage 1 [6] [11] - Types of ovarian cancer. The type of cell where the cancer begins determines the type of ovarian cancer you have and helps your doctor determine which treatments are best for you [11]

Common Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Epithelial Cancer

Ovarian epithelial cancer, also known as ovarian carcinoma, is a type of cancer that affects the ovaries. In its early stages, this cancer rarely causes symptoms. However, as it progresses and spreads to other parts of the body, various signs and symptoms may appear.

Common Symptoms:

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Quickly feeling full after eating
• Weight loss
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Fatigue

These symptoms can be caused by the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (belly) as the cancer spreads. Other possible signs and symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness, even after a light meal
• Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or frequent urination

Early Warning Signs:

Some early warning signs of ovarian epithelial cancer may include:

• A lump in the pelvis or abdomen
• Bleeding from the vagina
• Frequent discharge
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Bloating or a swollen feeling in the stomach
• Feeling full very soon after starting to eat

Stages and Grades:

The stage of ovarian cancer tells how far it has spread, while the grade indicates how much the tumor cells resemble normal cells. The symptoms mentioned above can occur at any stage of the disease.

References:

• [1] Symptoms become more noticeable as the disease progresses.
• [2-3] Signs and symptoms may include abdominal bloating or swelling; quickly feeling full when eating; weight loss; discomfort in the pelvic area; fatigue; ...
• [4-5, 9-10] Common symptoms include bloating; pelvic or abdominal pain; trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• [6-7, 11-12] Symptoms and signs may include a swollen or painful tummy, loss of appetite or urinary changes; abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding after menopause; ...
• [13-14] Early warning signs and symptoms may include general abdominal discomfort or pain (gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating, cramps); nausea, diarrhea, constipation or frequent urination.

Overview of Drug Treatments for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer, a type of cancer that affects the ovaries, can be treated with various drug therapies. The treatment approach depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the

The differential diagnosis of ovarian epithelial cancer involves considering various conditions that can mimic or coexist with this type of cancer.

Other Conditions to Consider

• Appendiceal tumors, such as carcinoid tumors, can be mistaken for ovarian cancer due to their similar presentation and location in the abdominal cavity [1].
• Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most prevalent type, accounting for more than 95% of cases, while approximately 5% are nonepithelial ovarian cancers (e.g., germ cell, sex-cord stromal, and small cell ovarian cancers) [2].
• Other conditions that can be considered in the differential diagnosis include functional changes of the ovary, benign neoplasms of the reproductive tract, and inflammatory lesions of these organs [3].

Specific Conditions to Rule Out

• A hydrosalpinx, endometriosis, and pedunculated uterian leiomyomata can simulate an ovarian neoplasm [4].
• High-grade serous epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC), fallopian tube, and peritoneal carcinomas are considered a single clinical entity due to their similar histopathological features [5].

Key Factors to Consider

• Age of onset: Ovarian cancer is more common in women over 65 who have gone through menopause [6].
• Vaginal discharge and constitutional symptoms can also be indicative of ovarian cancer [7].

These conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ovarian epithelial cancer, and a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the correct diagnosis.

References:

[1] Hirte HW. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of women with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer: a systematic review with metaanalyses. Cancer. 2007 Feb 15;109(4):692-702.

[2] Computed tomography (CT) scans are frequently performed before MRI to evaluate differential diagnoses in patients with nonspecific symptoms.

[3] The differential diagnosis of an adnexal mass includes a variety of functional changes of the ovary, benign neoplasms of the reproductive tract, and inflammatory lesions of these organs.

[4] A hydrosalpinx, endometriosis, and pedunculated uterian leiomyomata can simulate an ovarian neoplasm.

[5] High-grade serous epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC), fallopian tube, and peritoneal carcinomas are considered a single clinical entity due to their similar histopathological features.

[6] Ovarian cancer is more common in women over 65 who have gone through menopause.

[7] Vaginal discharge and constitutional symptoms can also be indicative of ovarian cancer.