What should you know about HGSC ovarian cancer?

High-grade serous carcinoma is a type of ovarian cancer whose cells look markedly abnormal under a microscope and tend to grow quickly. It may begin in the ovary or nearby fallopian tube tissue and can involve the lining of the abdomen. Symptoms may include bloating, pelvic or abdominal discomfort, early fullness, urinary changes or altered bowel habits.

Diagnosis and staging usually combine examination, imaging and tissue analysis. Genomic tumour profiling can identify features that help the team consider targeted medicines, while inherited testing may be discussed separately because some gene changes can run in families.

A gynaecological oncology team may discuss chemotherapy, ovarian cancer debulking surgery, or a sequence that combines both. The aim of debulking is to remove visible cancer when this can be done safely; the plan depends on where disease is found, symptoms, fitness and surgical judgement.

BRCA genetic testing may be offered to help guide care and inform relatives. Pelvic ultrasound can be part of assessment, but the care team may also need other imaging and a tissue diagnosis. Palliative care can be added at any stage to support pain, nausea, appetite, sleep, emotions and practical needs.

Contact the oncology team about persistent bloating, increasing abdominal swelling, new pelvic pain, difficulty eating, vomiting, constipation, breathlessness or unusual bleeding. Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, heavy bleeding, fever during treatment or sudden breathing difficulty.

Ask where the cancer is located, what the biopsy shows, whether inherited and tumour testing are recommended, and whether surgery or chemotherapy comes first. Ask how treatment could affect bowel function, menopause, fertility, recovery time and family communication, and who to call outside clinic hours.