Ovarian adenocarcinoma

Ovarian Adenocarcinoma

Ovarian adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that originates from the cells in the ovary. It is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for about 90% of all ovarian cancers.

Etiology

The exact cause of ovarian adenocarcinoma is unknown. However, several risk factors have been identified, including age, family history of ovarian or breast cancer, certain genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2), and long-term use of hormone replacement therapy.

Pathophysiology

Ovarian adenocarcinoma begins in the epithelial cells, which are the outer layer of cells that cover the ovaries. These cells can undergo changes that lead to uncontrolled growth and the formation of a tumor. If not detected and treated early, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.

Symptoms

Early-stage ovarian adenocarcinoma often causes no symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include abdominal bloating or swelling, pelvic pain, loss of appetite, and changes in bowel or bladder habits.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ovarian adenocarcinoma typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan, and blood tests to measure levels of a protein called CA-125, which is often elevated in women with ovarian cancer. A definitive diagnosis is usually made by performing a biopsy of the tumor.

Treatment

Treatment for ovarian adenocarcinoma depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. Options may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these.

Prognosis

The prognosis for ovarian adenocarcinoma varies depending on the stage at diagnosis, the patient's age and overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.

See Also

• Ovarian cancer
• Adenocarcinoma
• Cancer
• BRCA1
• BRCA2

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