What is Ovarian Serous Adenocarcinoma?
Ovarian serous adenocarcinoma is a type of epithelial ovarian cancer, accounting for approximately 3.5% of all ovarian cancers. It most commonly affects women aged 65 and older.
Causes
This type of ovarian cancer is strongly linked to inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These genetic mutations significantly increase the risk of developing ovarian serous adenocarcinoma.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
- A palpable (able to be felt) mass in the abdomen
Diagnosis
To diagnose ovarian serous adenocarcinoma, doctors may use the following procedures:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Serum Tumour Markers
- Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and X-rays to determine the tumour’s location, size, and spread
- Pelvic examination, including a speculum exam of the vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries
Treatment
The main treatment for ovarian serous adenocarcinoma is surgery. This may involve removing part of the ovary, the entire ovary, and potentially other affected areas such as the fallopian tubes, uterus, and nearby lymph nodes in the pelvic or abdominal region.
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