Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a cancer that begins in or around the ovary and can affect nearby tissues. Different tumour types behave differently, so pathology and imaging help the team understand the disease and choose care.

Abdominal swelling, feeling full quickly, persistent abdominal or pelvic pain and persistent bloating can be presentations of ovarian cancer. Symptoms may be subtle and can overlap with digestive or gynaecological conditions. A pattern that is new, persistent or worsening deserves clinical assessment.

Ovarian cancer starts when cells acquire changes that allow abnormal growth. The precise cause is often not identifiable. Inherited changes in genes such as BRCA, or an inherited condition such as Lynch Syndrome, can raise risk for some people, but many diagnoses occur without a known inherited cause.

Ovarian cancer may remain within the pelvis or spread across the abdominal lining and cause fluid to collect. Clinicians use examination, imaging, surgery and pathology to establish the extent of disease. Stage, tumour type, genomic findings and general health influence the treatment sequence.

Risk factors can include a family history of ovarian or related cancers, inherited BRCA gene changes, Lynch Syndrome, increasing age and some reproductive or hormonal histories. Having a risk factor does not mean cancer is present. Genetic counselling can help interpret family history and decide whether testing is appropriate.

Evaluation may include a pelvic examination, blood tests and imaging such as Pelvic Ultrasound. CT or MRI may help assess the abdomen and pelvis. A tissue sample obtained during surgery or another procedure is examined by pathology. Genomic Tumour Profiling may provide information relevant to treatment selection.

Care is tailored to tumour type, stage, genomic findings, symptoms and overall health. Surgery may remove one or both ovaries or reduce visible tumour. Chemotherapy is often used to treat cancer cells throughout the body. PARP Inhibitor Therapy may be suitable for some tumour profiles. Palliative Care can support comfort and quality of life at any stage.

Treatment can affect energy, appetite, digestion, fertility, menopause symptoms and emotions. Ask for help with symptom control, nutrition, movement, fertility or sexual health. A written list of medicines and symptoms can make appointments more focused, especially when care involves several specialists.

Ovarian cancer or its treatment can lead to abdominal fluid, bowel or bladder pressure, pain, reduced appetite, tiredness or blood-clot risk. Malignant Ascites may cause increasing abdominal swelling or breathlessness. Seek urgent care for severe pain, repeated vomiting, sudden breathlessness or marked swelling.

There is no way to prevent every ovarian cancer. People with a strong family history may discuss BRCA Genetic Testing and specialist risk assessment. The right choice depends on personal values, family plans and genetic results; risk-reducing surgery is considered only after an individual discussion.

A gynaecological oncology team can coordinate surgery, pathology, medical oncology, imaging, genetics and supportive care. Ask whether the team has experience with your tumour type, how genomic results will affect options, and who to contact if swelling, pain or eating changes between visits.