Ovarian Cancer

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer originates in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum, with epithelial types (90%, e.g., high-grade serous carcinoma from fallopian tubes) most common. Germ cell (young women) and stromal tumors are rare. Stages I-IV, often advanced at diagnosis due to vague symptoms. In 2025, ~19,680 US cases, 12,740 deaths, median age 63, with hereditary (BRCA1/2 in 15%) and sporadic forms.

Symptoms

Early symptoms are vague: abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, early satiety, urinary urgency/frequency, fatigue, back pain, constipation, and weight changes. Advanced causes ascites (fluid buildup), bowel obstruction, or pleural effusion (breathlessness). Symptoms mimic IBS or menopause, delaying diagnosis by 6-12 months.

Causes

Risk factors include age (>50), family history, BRCA1/2 mutations (lifetime risk 40-60% for BRCA1), endometriosis, never pregnant, hormone replacement, and obesity. Protective: oral contraceptives (50% risk reduction), breastfeeding, tubal ligation. In 2025, fallopian tube origin and HRD (homologous recombination deficiency) are key.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis uses transvaginal ultrasound, CA-125 blood test (elevated in 80% advanced), CT/MRI/PET for staging, and biopsy (often during surgery). Risk models (ROMA, OVA1) aid evaluation. In 2025, AI ultrasound and ctDNA improve early detection.

Treatment

Surgery (hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, debulking) is primary, with chemotherapy (carboplatin + paclitaxel) for advanced. PARP inhibitors (olaparib) for BRCA/HRD (extending PFS to 20 months). Immunotherapy for MSI-high. In 2025, ADCs and vaccines show promise.

Future Outlook

In 2025, 5-year survival is 48% overall, 92% localized. PARP maintenance improves to 60% in BRCA+. By 2030, biomarkers and vaccines could raise to 60% overall, focusing on screening.

Sources

The information for ovarian cancer is drawn from Cleveland Clinic’s “Ovarian Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment” for symptoms and treatment; Mayo Clinic’s “Ovarian cancer – Symptoms and causes” for causes; NCI’s “Ovarian Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)” for diagnosis; Cancer Research UK’s “Ovarian Cancer | Symptoms and Treatment” for outlook; OncoDaily’s “Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments” for methods; MSK’s “Ovarian Cancer” for overview; American Cancer Society’s “Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms and Signs” for symptoms; Cancer.Net’s “Ovarian Cancer – Diagnosis” for diagnosis; MD Anderson’s “Ovarian Cancer” for treatment; and PMC’s “Ovarian cancer: new developments and old associations” for review.