Ovarian cancers in childhood

In dealing with ovarian tumors in children, the gynecologist must use the same principle of assessing operability as those used for adults. This approach offers the maximum opportunity for successful treatment. The ancient medical philosophy of not inflicting harm if one cannot achieve good is especially applicable to children with ovarian cancer. It is better for a child to die at home in the loving care of her parents than alone in a cold, forbidding hospital room. There are certain characteristics that distinguish ovarian tumors in childhood from that in adults: (1) Limited space for tumor expansion. (2) A high degree of virulence in cancer. (3) A less effective immunologic response. (4) The possibility that therapy may affect future physical and emotional development.