SURVEILLANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS AT HIGH GENETIC RISK FOR OVARIAN-CARCINOMA

Abstract

Survellance/management programs for hereditary ovarian cancer syndromes were studied. These syndromes lack distinguishing premonitory physical signs or biomarkers; therefore, in these genotypic settings, ovarian cancer risk must be assessed by analysis of the patient''s pedigree. Ten families showing a hereditary proclivity to ovarian carcinoma and/or associated cancer(s) are described in accord with their respective cancer-prone genotypes. Cancer education, genetic counseling and surveillance should be instituted early. In addition to bimanual pelvic examination, ultrasound should be tested for its possible efficacy as a screening technique. The option of prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy and hysterectomy is thoroughly discussed with highly selected candidates. The aggressive management approach proposed for ovarian carcinoma is apparently warranted for high-risk members of cancer-prone families, wherein the risk for ovarian cancer may approach 50%.