What should you know about ESMO ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer can cause persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel or bladder habits, early fullness or unusual tiredness. These symptoms are common and have many causes; their persistence or change deserves assessment. A pelvic ultrasound may help examine the ovaries and nearby structures. Further imaging, blood tests and tissue examination may clarify the diagnosis and extent.

Ask whether surgery is suitable and whether the plan includes ovarian cancer debulking surgery or removal of an ovary. Chemotherapy is often considered as part of treatment, before or after surgery depending on the situation. BRCA genetic testing and genomic tumour profiling can provide information about inherited risk or tumour features that may influence treatment. Palliative care can support pain, nausea, fatigue, appetite and emotional wellbeing alongside cancer-directed care.

Get urgent help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen with inability to pass stool or gas, fainting, heavy bleeding or sudden breathing difficulty. Contact the care team promptly for fever, dehydration, rapidly increasing abdominal swelling or pain that is not controlled by the agreed plan.

What type of ovarian tumour is present, and what tests establish its stage? Is surgery recommended before chemotherapy? Should I consider BRCA genetic testing? Could genomic tumour profiling change treatment or family counselling?