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Conditions

Gynecology · Cancer care

Ovarian cancer

Understand persistent symptoms, assessment and care choices for ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

This page mainly covers epithelial cancers of the ovary, fallopian tube and primary peritoneum, which are often assessed and treated together. Not every ovarian mass or cyst is cancer, and other tumour types need a different approach.

Possible symptoms

Persistent bloating or a swollen abdomen, abdominal or pelvic pain, feeling full quickly or loss of appetite, and needing to urinate more often or urgently may occur. Fatigue, weight loss or bowel changes are also possible. These symptoms often have other causes.

Causes and associated factors

The exact cause is often unknown. Risk rises with age and certain inherited predispositions, including BRCA1, BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome. Family history, some personal cancer histories and endometriosis may also matter. Tell the team about cancers in your family.

Diagnosis

Examination, a CA125 blood test and ultrasound can guide assessment, but none confirms cancer alone. CA125 may rise for other reasons and can remain normal in some cancers. Examination of tissue or sometimes fluid establishes the diagnosis.

Tests

CT, MRI, laparoscopy or surgery may clarify the origin and extent according to the case. Inherited genetic tests and tumour tests may guide some treatments and inform relatives; their implications and consent should be explained.

Course of the condition

Type, grade, stage, general health and response to care guide what happens next. Disease may be limited to the pelvis or extend through the abdomen and beyond. Recurrence is possible, sometimes long after initial care, and follow-up is tailored.

Care options

Specialist surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatments for epithelial forms; their order and extent depend on the assessment. Targeted drugs, hormone treatment or other options may suit some situations. Before care, discuss fertility, menopause, the extent of surgery, side effects and nutritional or psychological support.

When to consult

Seek advice if bloating, abdominal swelling, pain, early fullness or urinary changes become frequent, persistent or worse. Return if symptoms continue despite initially reassuring tests or change in character.

Urgent help

Seek immediate medical help for severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, a very swollen abdomen with persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, breathing difficulty, faintness or loss of consciousness. Heavy bleeding or a high fever also needs prompt assessment.

Questions for your doctor

  • What tumour type does the biopsy show, and what is the stage?
  • What are the aim and order of surgery and medicines?
  • Would genetic or tumour testing help, and what would the result mean?
  • What effects on fertility, menopause and daily life should I expect?
  • What follow-up is planned, and who should I contact if symptoms return?

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A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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