Diagnostic tools and prognostic factors in the most malignant gynecological cancer - epithelial ovarian cancer
2013
Abstract
The main goal of this paper is to provide basic characteristics of epithelial ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer as the most malignant gynecological cancer represents heterogeneous disease with disputed origin.
The main concepts of ovarian carcinogenesis are presented focused on extra-ovarian place of origin, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells. Potential risk factors identified so far and diagnostic tools currently used are presented as well.
The emphasis is put on the prognostic factors which, although often disputed by controversial data, may be correlated with overall- or disease-free survival of ovarian cancer patients.