Cancer Types
Common cancer types: symptoms, diagnostic methods and current treatment options.
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Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Current Treatment Options
Sources reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali OğulLast updated: October 2026
Ovarian cancer is a gynaecological cancer that is often noticed at an advanced stage because its symptoms can resemble digestive complaints. Surgery, chemotherapy and maintenance treatments planned according to genetic test results form the cornerstones of treatment today.
Key information
| Definition | A malignant tumour arising from the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum (mostly epithelial) |
|---|---|
| Main risks | Older age, BRCA1/2, Lynch syndrome, ovarian/breast cancer in the family |
| Common symptoms | Bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, early satiety, frequent urination |
| Diagnosis | Transvaginal ultrasound, CA-125, CT/MRI, pathology by surgery or biopsy |
| Treatment | Surgery, chemotherapy, bevacizumab, PARP inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates |
What is ovarian cancer?
The great majority of ovarian cancers are of epithelial origin, and the most common subtype is high-grade serous carcinoma. A significant proportion of these tumours are thought to start in the fallopian tubes; therefore ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers are treated in a similar way [1][5].
What causes ovarian cancer? Risk factors
The risk rises with age. The strongest inherited risk factors are alterations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes; Lynch syndrome also increases the risk [5]. The risk is higher in women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer; in women at high risk, risk-reducing surgery may be considered [1][5].
How common is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is not as common as breast cancer; however, because there is no effective screening method and the symptoms are insidious, the diagnosis is made at an advanced stage in most cases [1][5].
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
- Persistent bloating or enlargement of the abdomen
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Feeling full quickly after eating little, loss of appetite
- A feeling of frequent or urgent urination
These complaints also occur in many benign conditions; however, symptoms that are new, persistent or recur more than 12 times a month require medical evaluation [2].
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
Pelvic examination, transvaginal ultrasound and measurement of CA-125 in the blood are the first steps. Spread is assessed by CT or MRI. The definitive diagnosis and staging (FIGO system) are usually made during surgery or by a biopsy taken under imaging guidance [1].
Genetic and molecular tests
In patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, testing for inherited BRCA1/2 alterations and assessment of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) in the tumour are recommended. These results determine the choice of maintenance treatment and are also important for family members [4][5].
How is ovarian cancer treated?
Treatment requires close cooperation between gynaecological oncology surgery and medical oncology. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul’s approach is to evaluate patient files in a multidisciplinary tumour board with specialists in gynaecological oncology, radiology and pathology.
Surgery
The aim is complete removal of visible tumour (cytoreductive surgery). Surgery can be done immediately after diagnosis, or it can be planned after a few cycles of chemotherapy given first [1][4].
Chemotherapy and maintenance treatment
Standard chemotherapy is the combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel; bevacizumab can be added in selected patients [4]. In advanced-stage patients who respond to chemotherapy, maintenance treatment with PARP inhibitors (olaparib, niraparib) can be given; in patients with a BRCA mutation, this approach has markedly prolonged the time the disease stays without recurrence [3][6].
Recurrent disease
The choice of treatment is made according to the time elapsed since the last platinum treatment. In platinum-resistant tumours with high folate receptor alpha (FRα) expression, the antibody-drug conjugate mirvetuximab soravtansine is an option [3][4].
Latest regulatory updates for this cancer type: Ovarian Cancer: Latest Developments
Side effects and follow-up during treatment
Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, hair loss, a fall in blood counts and numbness in the hands and feet. With PARP inhibitors, anaemia, nausea and fatigue may occur; regular blood tests are necessary. After treatment, follow-up is done with examination, CA-125 and, when needed, imaging [4].
Can ovarian cancer be prevented?
For women at average risk there is no screening method of proven effectiveness; screening with ultrasound and CA-125 has not been shown to improve survival [5]. In women who carry a BRCA mutation, removal of the ovaries and tubes after childbearing plans are complete markedly reduces the risk; this decision should be made together with genetic counselling [5].
Frequently asked questions
No. CA-125 can also rise in conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, menstruation and peritonitis. It cannot establish the diagnosis on its own [1].
In advanced-stage disease there is a risk of recurrence; therefore maintenance treatments and regular follow-up are important. Different treatment options are available if it recurs [4].
Often it does. In early-stage disease and in selected young patients, fertility-preserving surgical options should be discussed before treatment.
Call +90 530 250 54 85 or write to the same number via WhatsApp. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00.
At the medical oncology outpatient clinic of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Oncology Hospital, Çiftlikköy Campus, 33110 Yenişehir/Mersin, Türkiye. The assessment is done in person.
When needed, yes. The multidisciplinary tumour board meets every Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, and the sequence of surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatment is planned jointly.
Yes. A second opinion is a common way to clarify a treatment plan. Bring your pathology, imaging and discharge reports to the clinic for the assessment.
Pathology report, imaging reports and, if possible, the image CDs, discharge summary, recent blood tests and a list of the medicines you take. Translated copies are helpful if your documents are not in Turkish or English.
Medical oncology consultation for ovarian cancer in Mersin
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, or your diagnostic work-up is ongoing, you can apply for a medical oncology consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul at Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Oncology Hospital (Çiftlikköy Campus, 33110 Yenişehir/Mersin, Türkiye). Medical oncology covers the planning of drug treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy, the monitoring of side effects and follow-up after treatment. The hospital has a day treatment unit where drug treatments are given.
Treatment decisions are made by a team. When needed, patient files are discussed at the multidisciplinary tumour board, which meets every Friday from 09:00 to 13:00 with specialists from the relevant departments.
For appointments, call +90 530 250 54 85 or send a WhatsApp message to the same number with your name, diagnosis and reason for the request; you can also send your reports. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00. No diagnosis or treatment recommendation is given via WhatsApp; the assessment takes place in person at the clinic. Consultations are held in Turkish.
Appointment
Evaluation and second opinion
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or would like a second opinion on your treatment plan, you can contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul with your surgery and pathology reports, imaging results and BRCA/HRD test results.
This content is for information only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
References
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Ovarian Epithelial, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancers Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version. Updated: 22.11.2024. https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/patient/ovarian-epithelial-treatment-pdq
- American Cancer Society (ACS). Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. Last revised: 08.08.2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html
- American Cancer Society (ACS). Targeted Therapy for Ovarian Cancer. Last revised: 22.04.2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/treating/targeted-therapy.html
- González-Martín A, et al. Newly diagnosed and relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023;34(10):833-848. DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.07.011
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). BRCA Gene Changes: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing Fact Sheet. Reviewed: 19.07.2024. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet
- Moore K, et al. Maintenance Olaparib in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Advanced Ovarian Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018;379(26):2495-2505. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1810858
Links open external sources. The references were accessible as of October 2026.