Ovarian cancer in adolescents and young adults

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2019 Mar;66(3):e27512. doi: 10.1002/pbc.27512. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

Abstract

The diagnosis of ovarian cancer in adolescents and young adults is always challenging. Many issues exist, and most important of these may be access to care with an appropriate provider. A range of histologies occur in the ovaries, and their frequency changes markedly as patients progress from adolescence to young adulthood. The very curable germ cell tumors of adolescence slowly give way to aggressive carcinomas, which require a different treatment approach. Special consideration is needed for treatment of toxicity. In an ideal world, centers consisting of pediatric, medical, and gynecological oncologists may be the most appropriate to care for these complex and diverse patients.

Keywords: adolescents and young adults; ovarian tumors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Young Adult