A case of ovarian serous adenocarcinoma in a 41-year old nullipara is presented. The patient's family history is positive for both ovarian and breast cancer, thus, her family was included in a study testing for BRCA mutations with the patient, her sister and niece testing positive for BRCA1. Ovarian cancer remains to be an important cause of death in females worldwide, with survival rates not significantly improved owing to majority of cases being diagnosed at an advanced stage. Since etiology of ovarian cancer remains uncertain, there are still no effective preventive strategies and screening procedures. Approximately 10% of all epithelial ovarian malignancy results from a hereditary predisposition and poses an opportunity for reduction in the incidence and mortality of ovarian cancer cases. Pathophysiology of hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome and its significance in clinical practice has been discussed. Recommendations on screening of the high risk population, genetic counseling and risk-reduction surgery has been reviewed to correlate with the relevance and implication in prevention of epithelial ovarian cancer. (Author)
Breast Cancer ; Ovarian Cancer ; Brca 1 Protein ; Brca 2 Protein ; Ca-r5 Antigen