Ovarian Cancer (Ovarian Carcinoma)

Ovarian cancer, or ovarian carcinoma, manifests itself as a malignant growth that develops in one or both ovaries. The ovaries play a central role in female reproduction. They perform essential functions such as maturing eggs, producing important sex hormones, particularly estrogens and progestogens, which control both the menstrual cycle and numerous other important processes in the female body.

The term “tumor” generally refers to a abnormal growth that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant. If it involves a malignant change in the epithelial tissue, i.e., the tissue that lines mucous membranes or glands, it is called a “carcinoma”. Ovarian carcinoma is the most common form of ovarian cancer, wherein the tumor mainly originates from the epithelial cells of the outer cortex of the ovary. Less frequently, malignant changes can also arise from germ cells or hormone-producing stromal tissue. Cancer cells in the ovary typically develop through genetic changes in the cells of the ovarian tissue, which disables natura cell division and repair mechanisms. These are often changes or mutations in so-called tumor suppressor genes. The defective cells thereby escape the body’s own control and begin to multiply uncontrollably. As a result of this dysregulation, a malignant tumor develops, which has the potential to grow invasively and form metastases.

Ovarian carcinoma particularly affects women after menopause, typically women between the ages of 60 and 70. Nevertheless, there is still a risk to develop ovarian cancer in younger patients who are still of reproductive age. Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers with a comparatively unfavorable prognosis, mainly due to late diagnosis. Good health education and a more precise understanding are therefore essential to recognize and treat possible signs early.

Ovarian tumors represent a diverse group of tissue growth formations that can differ significantly in their development, cellular properties, and biological behavior. In addition to benign changes, malignant growths (also known as neoplasms) frequently occur, for which extensive knowledge of histopathology is of crucial importance for diagnosis as well as for choosing an appropriate therapy, as well as assess the disease trajectory. Below, we will introduce you to the most important forms of ovarian tumors and their typical characteristics in more detail.

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma is one of the most common forms of ovarian cancer and accounts for about 90% of all malignant ovarian tumors. It develops from the cells that cover the surface of the ovaries, the so-called ovarian epithelium. In many cases, this tumor characteristically spreads throughout the abdominal cavity, for example, to the peritoneum, diaphragm, or intestines.

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma can be further divided into subtypes, including serous, mucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell carcinoma, each of which differs in disease progression and response to treatment. High-grade serous carcinoma, also abbreviated as HGSC, is the most common subtype and is often associated with genetic changes, particularly mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes. It grows extremely quickly and is usually only detected and diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Ovarian germ cell tumors arise from cells that originally develop into eggs. Although they make up only about five percent of all forms of ovarian cancer, they represent a significant group of tumors, particularly because they typically occur in younger women and even adolescents. The tumors are often characterized by their rapid growth, but they generally respond very well to treatment with chemotherapy and can thus be well controlled. Despite the potentially aggressive course of the disease, the prognosis is relatively good, even if the disease is already at an advanced stage.

A special feature of many germ cell tumors is their ability to produce certain hormones or tumor markers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) or human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG). Their presence in the blood simplifies diagnosis, monitoring the course of the disease, as well as treatment success. Among the best-known forms of this type of tumor are teratomas, which can consist of various types of tissue such as skin, bone, or hair structures, and are therefore particularly diverse in their composition. Yolk sac tumors, on the other hand, are considered a very aggressive form of germ cell tumors, yet they generally respond well to modern therapeutic concepts. The most common form of germ cell tumor is the dysgerminoma, which occurs mainly in young women and has a very good prognosis if detected and treated early.

A rather rare but clinically still significant form of ovarian tumors develops from the support and connective tissue of the ovary, which is also known as germ line stromal tissue. Tumors that originate from this tissue are known as stromal tumors. They differ significantly in their biological activity and appearance from other ovarian tumors, as they are often hormonally active, particularly by producing estrogens. Clinically, such hormone production can manifest through menstrual disorders, unusually heavy or irregular bleeding. This also applies to women who are already in postmenopause. Such symptoms should therefore be taken very seriously, as they may indicate a hormonally active neoplasm.

A typical representative of this tumor group is the granulosa cell tumor, which is one of the most common hormone-producing ovarian tumors. It can stay undetected for many years, due to its slow growth, which helps it avoid detection. At the same time, it typically produces estrogens, which can lead to typical hormonal symptoms. Granulosa cell tumors are usually treated surgically. The focus is on the complete removal of the tumor. Depending on the patient’s age, desire for children, and stage of the tumor, the extent of the operation can be more precisely tailored to individual needs. Furthermore, close follow-up care is of utmost importance, as late recurrences are possible. In certain cases, especially in advanced or recurring cases, additional anti-hormonal or chemotherapeutic treatment may be considered.

However, not all tumors in the ovaries are malignant. A large number of tumors are of benign origin. These include cystadenomas and fibromas, which form the most common benign neoplasms of the ovary. These tumors are typically characterized by slow growth and a low risk of malignancy. In many cases, they remain asymptomatic and are only discovered incidentally during a gynecological examination or an ultrasound performed for other reasons.

The clinical symptoms are rather non-specific, such as a feeling of pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen, mild pain, unclear menstrual irregularities, or an enlargement in the lower abdomen. These symptoms are usually due to the increasing size of the mass or its change in position in the pelvis, which can affect neighboring organs. The therapeutic approach for benign ovarian tumors is in most cases very individual and depends on various factors such as the size of the tumor, the symptoms, the patient’s age, and their desire to preserve their fertility. Therefore, it is often initially advisable to wait and monitor the progression of the tumor through regular sonographic controls, before deciding on a course of action.

Borderline tumors, on the other hand, pose a special diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This type of tumor lies between benign and malignant tumors in its properties. Although they exhibit atypical cell changes and potentially invasive growth, they generally do not metastasize and have a relatively good prognosis. In addition, the rare Brenner tumor is also noteworthy. It is a mostly benign, epithelial ovarian tumor characterized histologically by urothelial-like cell clusters. Although it usually causes no clinical symptoms, a differential diagnosis must be considered to arrive at an appropriate therapy decision. In any case, careful clarification by experienced gynecological oncologists is essential to enable a safe distinction between benign, borderline, and malignant tumors and thus to develop the best possible suitable treatment strategy.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled protrusions that often form during the natural hormone cycle. They develop during ovulation when the follicle does not regress as expected but fills with fluid. These so-called functional cysts, such as follicular or corpus luteum cysts, are generally harmless and often regress on their own within a few weeks or months. Therefore, they are not directly classified as true tumors in the strict sense. Various symptoms may still occur though, depending on the size and location of the cyst. Typical symptoms include non-specific abdominal pain, a persistent feeling of pressure or fullness, and menstrual irregularities.

If a cyst ruptures, i.e., suddenly bursts vigilant observation is required. Acute abdominal pain, which is often very severe and requires urgent emergency medical treatment, is a possible complication. A rupture can also lead to internal bleeding, especially if larger vessels are affected. The symptoms of a cyst rupture often resemble those of acute appendicitis, therefore differentiating them is sometimes difficult. However, the diagnosis is usually made by transvaginal ultrasound, which can more precisely assess the size, shape, and structure of the cyst. In most cases, after discovering a cyst without rupture, no surgical treatment is necessary, as close monitoring is sufficient, especially for functional cysts in women of childbearing age.

The exact causes for the development of ovarian cancer are still not fully understood. As with many cancer diseases, it is usually a combination of various factors, where genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences play a decisive role. Even if a clear cause cannot be established in every case, there are still a number of risk factors that can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is considered a particularly challenging type of cancer because it causes no or only very non-specific symptoms in the early stages. The ovaries lie deep in the abdominal cavity and can move freely there. This anatomical position makes it easier for tumor growth to remain unnoticed for a long time. Usually only when the tumor spreads beyond the organ or causes inflammatory reactions in the abdominal cavity do noticeable symptoms occur. The disease is therefore often already at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis.

A common first symptom of ovarian cancer is an increase in abdominal circumference, which is often accompanied by bloating and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. These changes usually occur due to ascites, i.e., the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Ascites can be caused by the tumor, which impairs the lymphatic system or venous outflows, causing fluid to enter the abdominal cavity. Abdominal pain often occurs concurrently with ascites, which can be exacerbated by an increasing accumulation of fluid. Therefore, patients who notice a sudden unexplained increase in abdominal circumference should consider having it medically evaluated, as it could be an early sign of the onset of ovarian cancer.

Pain in the area of the ovaries is relatively common and can have many causes, which do not always indicate a cancerous disease. In most cases, these are ovulation pains, cyst formation, or just mild inflammation of the ovaries that can occasionally occur during the menstrual cycle. These pains are therefore often one sided and commonly disappear after a few hours or days. The most common cause of ovarian pain is cysts that develop directly on the ovary. In rather rare cases, ovarian tumors or ovarian cancer can also cause pain, although these are usually diffuse, non-specific complaints that are difficult to localize. In general, any unexplained or prolonged occurrence of ovarian pain should be medically cleared.

In addition to the typical symptoms such as increased abdominal circumference and abdominal pain, other accompanying symptoms exist. The more common symptoms include problems urinating such as frequent urination or pain when urinating, and changes in bowel movements such as constipation or diarrhea. Their occurrence may be due to the tumor, as it can exert pressure on neighboring organs due to its location and size. Digestive problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, or a feeling of fullness are also not uncommon and can indicate a tumor disease in the abdominal cavity. In addition to the physical symptoms, many patients suffer from the so-called B symptoms, which include general symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, reduced performance, fever, and night sweats. These symptoms occur due to the progression of the disease and the increased resource consumption of the body, in order to fight against the tumor.

Each of these symptoms, especially if they occur simultaneously or persist for a longer period, requires a medical examination. Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that is often difficult to detect early, as the symptoms can easily be confused with other, less serious diseases.

The diagnosis of ovarian cancer is usually made through a combination of different diagnostic procedures, as the symptoms and signs of the disease are often too non-specific and not pronounced enough during the early stages. This explains the tumor already being at an advanced stage, by the time it is detected. The diagnostic methods include, among others, gynecological examinations, the determination of tumor markers, imaging procedures such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI, as well as in some cases an intraoperative biopsy. To make a precise diagnosis, several examinations are usually performed to gain a clearer picture regarding the type, malignancy, and location of the tumor.

During the gynecological examination, the patient’s abdominal cavity is palpated, and the condition of the ovaries is assessed through a vaginal examination. Although this is an important initial examination, ovarian tumors in the early stage are often difficult to palpate, especially if the tumor is still quite small. Therefore, a diagnosis is usually only made in more advanced stages, when the tumor has already grown somewhat and causes noticeable symptoms. Nevertheless, a gynecological examination can provide indications of a possible disease, such as a cancerous growth.

An essential component of diagnostics when ovarian cancer is suspected is the blood test to determine so-called tumor markers. These are small molecules that circulate in the blood and can indicate the presence of cancer cells. The most commonly used tumor marker for ovarian cancer is CA-125. An elevated CA-125 value can indicate the presence of ovarian cancer, but this marker is also elevated in other diseases, such as endometriosis. Therefore, the CA-125 value alone is not sufficient for a specific diagnosis but must be interpreted together with other diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and CT.

Imaging procedures play a central role in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. In particular, transvaginal ultrasound is a very important examination method as it allows a detailed representation of the ovaries and also the surrounding structures. In transvaginal ultrasound, a special transducer is inserted into the vagina to directly visualize the ovaries. Thus, tumors or cysts in the ovarian area can be directly detected. Furthermore, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is also used to check the extent of the tumor and identify possible metastases.

If the ultrasound should provide indications of a tumor, further complementary imaging procedures such as CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are often used. Both procedures offer an even more precise representation and can depict the spread of the tumor in the body in greater detail with a much better resolution. CT and MRI make it possible to visualize both the tumor itself and any lymph node metastases or distant metastases. They are thus crucial for staging the disease and planning further therapy.

In some cases, when ovarian cancer is suspected and a more precise histological confirmation is required, an intraoperative biopsy may be performed. During this procedure, tissue samples are taken from the suspected tumor area during surgery to examine them for cancer cells. A biopsy can be helpful to confirm or rule out a cancer diagnosis. Yet there are also drawbacks, an intraoperative biopsy carries a risk of dispersing cancer cells into the abdominal cavity during the procedure, which could lead to a spread of the tumor. For this reason, intraoperative biopsy is only performed in exceptional cases. For most cases, an intraoperative malignancy assessment is sufficient, whereby the tumor is completely removed after tissue extraction to ensure that no cancer cells remain.

The classification of ovarian cancer plays a decisive role in diagnosis and therapy planning, as it can determine the extent of the disease. It allows the tumor to be categorized into different stages, which in turn provides information about the prognosis and the best therapy options. Common classification systems include the FIGO and the TNM, both of which serve to assess the tumor stage as precisely as possible. These systems evaluate critical factors, such as the size of the tumor, its spread, and the presence of metastasis. An accurate classification of the tumor is not only crucial for choosing the right therapy but also for assessing the prognosis. It can be particularly helpful during the decision making for the appropriate treatment strategy, be it surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, or other supportive therapies.

The FIGO classification is a globally recognized classification system for staging ovarian carcinomas. It was developed by the Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d’Obstétrique (FIGO) and helps to assess the exact extent of the disease. It is usually used alongside the classic TNM classification, primarily describing the spread of the tumor and the stage of the disease. Due to the often late diagnosis of ovarian cancer, most diagnoses are made in stage 3 or 4, by this time, the prognosis is unfortunately unfavorable in many cases.

The FIGO classification divides ovarian cancer into four stages, each reflecting a different extent of the disease and thus significantly influencing the prognosis and therapy options.

Stage 1 of ovarian cancer describes a tumor that is limited only to the ovaries. The cancer has not yet spread to neighboring organs. This early cancer finding usually offers a favorable prognosis, as the tumor is clearly localized and can be completely removed with surgery. The risk of metastasis is still very low at this stage. This usually provides an advantageous basis for good chances of recovery, especially if the patient has no other health limitations.

In stage 2, the tumor has already spread beyond the ovary to neighboring organs in the pelvic area, such as the uterus or fallopian tubes. It is still a locally advanced form of ovarian cancer. The prognosis is less favorable than in stage 1, but the chances of recovery are still relatively high if the tumor can be completely surgically removed. At this stage, chemotherapy is often recommended in addition to the operation to eliminate even tiny possible remaining tumor residues, which create a risk of recurrence, if left unchecked.

In stage 3, the tumor has spread to other organs in the abdominal cavity, including the peritoneum. Characteristically, in stage 3, the lymph nodes in the pelvic area are also affected. At this point, the tumor is already advanced, and treatment becomes significantly more complex. In many cases, surgical removal of the tumor is only partially possible, as the cancer has already affected large parts of the abdominal cavity. Intensive chemotherapy is therefore usually necessary to combat the cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth. The prognosis in stage 3 is worse, as the tumor has in many cases already formed metastases. The chances of cure are therefore slim, but remission can be achieved in some cases through aggressive therapeutic approaches.

Stage 4 represents the most advanced form of ovarian cancer, where the tumor has metastasized to more distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or other areas of the body. This condition is usually associated with a poor prognosis, as the cancer is significantly more difficult to control at this stage. Life expectancy can still vary greatly, primarily due to the spread of the cancer and the effectiveness of the treatment. In many cases, a complete cure is no longer possible at this stage. Treatment therefore aims primarily at alleviating symptoms, improving quality of life, and slowing the progression of cancer as much as possible. Chemotherapy and other targeted therapies can help slow tumor growth, but the prognosis remains unfavorable due to advanced metastasis.

Ovarian cancer is a form of cancer that is often counted among the most malignant types. Its late diagnosis is frequently the central reason why the chances of cure are worse in many cases. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often quite non-specific at the beginning of the disease and can easily be confused with other illnesses. For this reason, the cancer is often only recognized at an advanced stage when it has already metastasized to neighboring organs or even distant body regions. In the early stages of the disease, when the tumor is still locally limited and has not yet spread, the chances of cure are significantly higher. In advanced stages, where the tumor has already spread to other organs, a complete cure is often unfortunately unlikely. Nevertheless, there is increasing progress in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer, which makes it possible to slow the progression of the disease, enable patients to live a good life, and alleviate existing symptoms.

The treatment of ovarian cancer is primarily based on the stage of the disease. While in early stages, surgery in combination with chemotherapy can often enable a complete cure, treatment options in advanced stages focus more on alleviating symptoms and slowing tumor growth. Various therapeutic approaches are therefore individually tailored and combined to achieve optimal success.

Surgical removal is a central component in the treatment of ovarian carcinomas, especially in the early stages of the disease. As much of the tumor is removed as possible to stop tumor growth and prevent further spread to other areas of the body. Depending on the spread of the cancer, a radical operation is often performed, removing not only the affected ovaries but also the uterus and adjacent lymph nodes. In advanced stages, parts of the peritoneum may also be affected, which is why these could also be removed. The decision for surgery is usually dependent on the stage of the cancer. In the early stages, where the tumor is still locally limited to the ovaries, surgery has a very good chance of cure. But even in advanced stages, where metastases have occurred, surgery can help reduce the tumor volume, which can increase the effectiveness of subsequent treatments such as chemotherapy.

However, surgery is a major procedure that comes with risks, such as postoperative pain, digestive problems, or hormonal changes, especially if both ovaries are removed. In addition, psychological stresses, such as fear of cancer and changes in body image, can be burdensome for patients in some cases. The prognosis after surgery also depends on the stage of the cancer. If the tumor has already formed metastases, the chance of cure is often lower, but surgery still often remains an important component of therapy to stop cancer growth.

Chemotherapy is used as a supplement, in addition to surgical measures, in the treatment of ovarian cancer to destroy cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. It is commonly used after surgery to combat any remaining cancer cells. In advanced stages, where complete removal of the tumor is no longer possible, chemotherapy is used primarily to combat the tumor.

The basis of chemotherapy is cytotoxic drugs that specifically attack cancer cells and inhibit their growth. Platinum-based drugs are among the most effective chemotherapeutic agents for ovarian cancer. They destroy the DNA of cancer cells, preventing their division and proliferation. In many cases, chemotherapy is administered in combination with other drugs to further enhance its effect.

Despite its effectiveness, chemotherapy can be associated with many side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue, as the drugs attack not only cancer cells but also healthy body cells. Blood formation can be impaired, which increases the risk of infections or bleeding. Some patients also experience a reduction in fertility, especially after both ovaries have been removed or chemotherapy has damaged the eggs. In many cases, there are supportive measures and medications that help alleviate the side effects and improve the quality of life for patients.

Immunotherapy is considered one of the newer treatment options for ovarian carcinomas and is mainly used in advanced stages of ovarian cancer that no longer respond to traditional therapies such as chemotherapy. Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to specifically combat cancer cells. It is particularly promising because it does not attack the cancer directly but activates the immune system to recognize and destroy tumor cells itself.

A commonly used drug in immunotherapy is bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody that interrupts the blood supply to tumors by inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels. With this therapy, the tumor is weakened as it is no longer adequately supplied with nutrients and oxygen, and its uncontrollable growth is hereby hindered. Bevacizumab is often used in combination with chemotherapies to enhance the effect of the treatment and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Although immunotherapy is a promising treatment option, side effects unfortunately still persist. The most common include high blood pressure and an increased tendency for blood clots to form. In some cases, gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea or abdominal pain can also occur during immunotherapeutic treatment. Nevertheless, immunotherapy represents an important extension of treatment options, especially for patients who no longer respond adequately to other treatments. This can improve the quality of life for those affected and extend life expectancy, especially in advanced stages, when all other options are exhausted.

The treatment of ovarian cancer usually includes a combination of surgical, chemotherapeutic, and in some cases also immunotherapeutic approaches. In addition to these conventional methods, complementary medical treatments are gaining increasing importance as they can be used as supportive measures to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and enhance the effectiveness of standard therapies.

Hyperthermia refers to the targeted application of heat, whereby the temperature in certain body regions is controlled and increased to slow tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of other therapies. The basis of this treatment is that cancer cells are more sensitive to heat than healthy cells. Hyperthermia can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The heat supply improves the blood supply to the tumors and sensitizes the tumor cells, making them absorb more of the administered cytostatics.

Mistletoe therapy is one of the best-known complementary medical treatment methods and is used in many European countries as a supplement to cancer therapy. Mistletoe preparations come from various mistletoe species and contain bioactive substances that stimulate the immune system. Mistletoe therapy has its origins in herbal medicine and is often used in cancer therapy to strengthen the immune system and alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy. There are studies that show that mistletoe preparations activate the immune system, influence inflammatory reactions, and can significantly improve general well-being after chemotherapy. Consequently, mistletoe therapy can help improve the quality of life for cancer patients and increase general well-being during treatment.

Infusion therapy is increasingly being used as another complementary medical measure in cancer therapy. In particular, vitamin C infusions have gained increasing attention in recent years. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and is used because of its ability to strengthen the immune system and reduce oxidative stress. High doses of vitamin C in intravenous form can slow the growth of cancer cells and, in some cases, enhance the effect of chemotherapy. Vitamin C can also help alleviate typical side effects of chemotherapy, such as fatigue, nausea, and pain.

In addition to mistletoe therapy, hyperthermia, and vitamin C, there are several other complementary approaches that can be considered in the treatment of ovarian cancer. These include:

Vitamin D also plays a crucial role in the human immune system. It is believed that vitamin D can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. There is also evidence that a well-filled vitamin D level can inhibit tumor growth and influence metastatic processes in ovarian cancer. Vitamin D is therefore increasingly recommended as a supportive aid, especially in combination with a balanced diet and sunlight exposure.

It can thus be said that complementary medical treatment approaches, embedded in a comprehensive, individual treatment concept, can effectively support a patient, suffering from ovarian cancer.

There are various protective factors that can reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. This is mostly due to a reduction in the frequency of ovulations. Each ovulation is associated with cell division, during which mutations can occur. A lower number of ovulations thus reduces the risk of developing ovarian cancer. The most important protective factors include multiple births, long periods of breastfeeding, taking the contraceptive pill, or sterilization.

Women who have many children and breastfeed for longer periods tend to have fewer ovulations. During pregnancy and through breastfeeding, ovulation is suppressed, which leads to a reduction in cell divisions in the ovary. The contraceptive pill has a similar effect on the risk of developing ovarian cancer, as it suppresses ovulation. Women who take the pill for several years have a significantly lower risk of developing ovarian cancer, although the side effects of the contraceptive pill should be weighed against this benefit.

These factors reduce the number of ovulations and thus reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

The time after primary therapy for ovarian cancer is of central importance and includes both medical follow-up care and physical and psychological rehabilitation. The aim is to detect a possible recurrence early, to treat possible late side effects of the therapy, and to sustainably aid the patient in the increase of their quality of life. In the first three years, follow-up care usually takes place quarterly, then semiannually, and from the fifth year annually. It is often adapted to the respective risk constellation of the patient. In addition to medical care, the psychological processing of the disease also plays an important role. Many patients experience the time after therapy as emotionally challenging, as it can be characterized by fears, uncertainties, and the desire for normality. Professional psychological support, such as from psycho-oncological specialists, can help lift these burdens and improve one’s own quality of life. Exchange with other affected persons, for example through self-help groups or specialized online forums, is also experienced by many women as supportive and relieving. Furthermore, rehabilitation measures can offer comprehensive offers for the restoration of physical resilience, for the strengthening of the immune system, and for psychological stabilization. Despite possible long-term consequences after the disease, many patients succeed in actively participating in everyday life again.

In the following section, we want to address your most frequent questions and concerns in more detail so that you can better understand the disease of ovarian cancer in its development, symptoms, and treatment:

The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.