Ovarian cancer (which includes fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer) is the most deadly cancer of the female reproductive system. For years, ovarian cancer was known as “the silent killer” because early symptoms are so vague and non-specific that ovarian cancer was usually advanced before it was properly diagnosed.
But research has revealed a cluster of symptoms common to ovarian cancer and women are encouraged to contact a gynecologic oncologist if they notice any of these symptoms persisting over time. A study by the National Institutes of Health reports that women with ovarian cancer fare better when treated by gynecologic oncologists.
While most cases of ovarian cancer occur in older women, young women are more likely to develop malignant germ cell tumors, a rare form of ovarian cancer.