ovary adenocarcinoma

Ovarian Adenocarcinoma: A Type of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian adenocarcinoma, also known as serous adenocarcinoma, is the most common type of ovarian cancer. It accounts for about 90% of all ovarian cancers [5]. This type of cancer originates in the epithelial cells that cover the surface of the ovary.

Characteristics

Ovarian adenocarcinoma is a high-grade tumor, meaning it grows and spreads quickly. It often presents with advanced stages, making treatment more challenging [10]. The cancer cells are usually large and irregular, with prominent papillary architecture and psammoma bodies (small, round calcifications) [5].

Subtypes

Ovarian adenocarcinoma can be further divided into several subtypes, including:

• Serous adenocarcinoma: This is the most common subtype, accounting for about 70% of all ovarian adenocarcinomas.
• Mucinous adenocarcinoma: This subtype accounts for about 10-15% of all ovarian adenocarcinomas.

Risk Factors

The risk of developing ovarian adenocarcinoma increases with age, especially after the age of 50 [13]. Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer are also at higher risk. Additionally, women with BRCA gene mutations are more likely to develop ovarian adenocarcinoma [3].

Symptoms

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

• Pelvic and abdominal pain
• Increased abdominal size and bloating
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

It's essential for women to pay attention to their body and report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

References

[3] Context result 3: Ovarian cancer affects women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). It’s slightly more common in Native American and white populations than in people who are Black, Hispanic or Asian. In addition, people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are much more likely to have a BRCA gene mutation, placing them at a higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

[5] Context result 5: The most common ovarian carcinoma is papillary serous adenocarcinoma, which is characterized by prominent papillary architecture and psammoma bodies.

[10] Context result 11: Ovarian cancer is a cancerous tumor of an ovary. It may originate from the ovary itself or more commonly from communicating nearby structures such as fallopian tubes or the inner lining of the abdomen.

[13] Context result 13: For example, endometriosis attached to the ovary may turn into endometrioid (carcinoma). This type of ovarian cancer is divided into many subtypes, including serous, mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell, transitional and undifferentiated types. The risk of epithelial ovarian cancer increases with age, especially after the age of 50.