Epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer: an overview

Ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer has the poorest survival outcomes of all gynaecological malignancies. The majority of women present with advanced stage, high grade disease following a period of generalised abdominal symptoms. There is currently no effective screening programme. Diagnosis is based on imaging and histology. Stratification of adnexal masses into benign and malignant categories has helped ensure appropriate patients are referred to the gynaecology oncology team. The mainstay of treatment is surgery and chemotherapy, with removal of all residual disease being one of the most important prognostic factors. Recent advances in targeted therapies are also beginning to improve outcomes.