[Epidemiology, diagnostic approach, prognostic factors of ovarian cystadenocarcinoma]

The number of ovarian cancers is increasing and a parallel increase has been observed in the mortality rate of this disease. Epidemiological surveys have elicited contributing factors such as feeding habits, environmental, individual and familial factors. The ovary being a deep-seated organ, the diagnosis is difficult and rests on physical examination and, chiefly, ultrasonography. The prognosis is poor, with an overall survival rate of about 30 p. 100 at five years.