NCIt definition : A malignant neoplasm originating from the surface ovarian epithelium. It accounts
for the greatest number of deaths from malignancies of the female genital tract and
is the fifth leading cause of cancer fatalities in women. It is predominantly a disease
of older white women of northern European extraction, but it is seen in all ages and
ethnic groups. Adenocarcinomas constitute the vast majority of ovarian carcinomas.
The pattern of metastatic spread in ovarian carcinoma is similar regardless of the
microscopic type. The most common sites of involvement are the contralateral ovary,
peritoneal cavity, para-aortic and pelvic lymph nodes, and liver. Lung and pleura
are the most common sites of extra-abdominal spread. The primary form of therapy is
surgical. The overall prognosis of ovarian carcinoma remains poor, a direct result
of its rapid growth rate and the lack of early symptoms.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: Cancer that occurs in the cells lining the ovaries.;
Neoplastic status : Malignant;
Codes from synonyms : 10033159; CDR0000046768; CDR0000045683;