[Malignant ovarian neoplasms--a constant challenge to gynecologists]

The annual incidence of malignant neoplasms of the ovary has increased in the Czech Republic between 1961 and 1988 from 14.3 to 17.2 newly notified cases per 100,000 women. The highest incidence, 47.03, is in the age group from 70 to 74 years. It participates in the overall mortality from malignant tumours of the genitalia by 41.6%, although in the total incidence it accounts for 25%. The lethality calculated from the incidence and mortality in the Czech Republic in similar as in other countries--79%. This is consistent with the generally reported survival period after treatment which is 20-30%. Hospital statistics report more favourable results. Introduction of new therapeutic methods so far did not lead to marked improvement of therapeutic results. The latter are influenced more by detection of the disease in early stages.