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Ovarian Cancer

A group of malignancies arising from ovarian, fallopian-tube, or peritoneal tissue that often present at an advanced stage.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer encompasses epithelial, germ cell, and sex-cord stromal tumours; high-grade serous carcinoma is the most common and often arises from fallopian-tube epithelium.

Because symptoms are non-specific, around 60–70% of cases are diagnosed at stage III or IV, contributing to lower five-year survival compared with other gynaecological cancers.

Germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations and mismatch-repair deficiency significantly increase risk and influence treatment choices, including PARP inhibitor therapy.

Optimal outcomes require care in specialised centres with gynaecologic-oncology surgery, high-quality pathology, and access to modern systemic therapy.

Symptoms

Persistent abdominal bloating, pressure, or increased girth
Early satiety, loss of appetite, and unintentional weight loss or gain
Chronic pelvic or lower abdominal pain
Urinary frequency or urgency not explained by infection
Change in bowel habits or constipation
Ascites, pleural effusion, or palpable pelvic mass in advanced disease

Risk Factors

BRCA1, BRCA2, and other hereditary cancer syndromes including Lynch syndrome
Family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
Increasing age, particularly over 50 years
Nulliparity, infertility, and endometriosis
Hormone replacement therapy without opposed progestin over long periods
Obesity and smoking for specific histological subtypes

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, or change in bowel or bladder habits for more than a few weeks
  • A palpable abdominal or pelvic mass, unexplained ascites, or rapid abdominal enlargement
  • Personal or strong family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer to consider genetic testing and risk-reducing strategies

Treatment Methods

01
Transvaginal and abdominal ultrasound, CA-125, HE4, and risk-of-malignancy algorithms for triage
02
Contrast-enhanced CT and sometimes MRI for staging and surgical planning
03
Primary debulking surgery aiming for complete macroscopic resection or neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval surgery
04
Platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy as standard systemic therapy
05
Maintenance therapy with PARP inhibitors, especially for BRCA-mutant or homologous recombination-deficient tumours, and bevacizumab in selected patients
06
Genetic counselling and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in women with BRCA mutations or Lynch syndrome

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.