This document provides an overview of malignant ovarian tumors. It discusses the epidemiology, risk factors, pathology, diagnosis, screening, staging, prognosis, and management of ovarian cancer. Some key points include:
- Ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer.
- Risk factors include age, nulliparity, family history, and hereditary conditions like BRCA mutations. Protective factors include pregnancy and oral contraceptive use.
- Theories on pathogenesis involve repeated ovulation and inflammation damaging the ovarian surface.
- Staging involves determining if the cancer is confined to ovaries or has spread within the pelvis or abdomen.