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Abstract:
Early diagnosis is the most effective means of reducing the currently high mortality rate associated with ovarian cancer. The palpation of what appears to be a normal size ovary in a premenopausal woman suggests an ovarian tumor in a postmenopausal woman. Also, rule out ovarian cancer in any 40-year or older woman who presents with persistent, unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms. Ninety percent of all ovarian tumors are of epithelial origin. Treatment consists of total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy and appendectomy. P32 instillation is optional. In Stages IIb, III and IV chemotherapy is advised, while in Stages I and IIa the use of prophylactic chemotherapy must be judged on an individual basis. Ovarian cancer in children that is beyond the localized stage is one of the most frustrating of all gynecologic diseases. Total surgical extirpation of localized disease is the only hope for cure and, as yet, early diagnosis is more chance than scientific method.