Victor Bonney Lecture, 1980. Ovarian cancer--a gynaecological disorder?

Ovarian cancer is a disease of great complexity. The diagnosis is commonly delayed and the condition may present in a number of specialties other than gynaecology. Inappropriate primary treatment may seriously compromise the subsequent course. Modern surgical management involves extension beyond the traditional total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oöphorectomy and 'under treatment' by both gynaecologists and general surgeons is common. A multimodal approach is highly desirable, both radiotherapy and chemotherapy having a defined role in management which is largely determined by the histopathology. In spite of modern diagnostic aids the diagnosis is all too frequently only achieved at laparotomy. A plea is made for the transfer of such patients to a gynaecological oncologist for definitive therapy if the primary physician or surgeon is unfamiliar with the full ramifications of the disease or with the range of therapeutic measures, including radical surgery if suitable.