Etymed
ovarian carcinoma
Definition
A malignant tumor arising from the ovarian tissue
Clinical context
A 58-year-old woman presents with abdominal distension and pelvic pain for the past 2 months. On examination, a large pelvic mass is palpated. Imaging reveals ascites and a complex ovarian mass with irregular borders. CA-125 levels are markedly elevated. The patient undergoes surgery and is diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma. This malignancy commonly spreads via peritoneal seeding and lymphatic metastasis.
Mnemonic
Ovarian carcinoma - 'Ovarian' sounds like 'over' and 'carcinoma' sounds like 'car' - think of cancer spreading like a car accident over the ovaries