Ovarian Cancer
Oncology section
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. It is the eighth most common cancer in women worldwide and the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and
abdomen, making it difficult to treat effectively. Its prevalence varies across different regions and populations, influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, access to healthcare, and screening practices. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes.
ABOUT OVARIAN CANCER
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
Exploring the Diverse Types of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer accounts for approximately 3.4% of all new cancer cases among women globally. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there were an estimated 313,959 new cases of ovarian cancer worldwide in 2020.
Ovarian cancer ranks as the seventh most common cancer among women and the eighth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally. Ovarian cancer incidence and mortality rates vary significantly by region. Higher rates are generally observed in developed countries compared to developing countries. In developed regions such as North America, Western Europe, and Australia/New Zealand, ovarian cancer incidence rates tend to be higher. In contrast, lower incidence rates are typically reported in certain parts of Africa and Asia, although this may be partly due to underreporting and limited access to healthcare and cancer registries. Ovarian cancer primarily affects older women, with the highest incidence rates observed in women aged 50 and older. The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases diagnosed in women over 50 years old.
Types of Ovarian Cancer:
Overview of OVERIAN CANCER Types
Understanding Different Forms of Overian Cancer
- Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC): This is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases. It arises from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary.
- Germ Cell Tumors: These rare ovarian cancers develop from the egg-producing cells within the ovary.
- Stromal Tumors: Also rare, these tumors originate from the connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Population-based breast cancer screening programs, such as mammography screening, aim to detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is more effective. These screening programs vary by country and are often targeted at women within certain age groups, such as women aged 50 to 74 years in many Western countries. Regular screening can lead to the early detection of breast cancer and potentially reduce mortality rates.
Genetic Basis of Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Germline Genes:
Somatic mutations in genes involved in DNA repair pathways, such as ATM, ATR, CHEK1, CHEK2, and others, are frequently observed in ovarian cancer tumors. These mutations can contribute to genomic instability and tumor progression.
Somatic Genes:
