Hereditary ovarian cancer--assessing risk and prevention strategies.
Hereditary ovarian cancers are almost entirely attributable to mutations in BRCA1/2 or the genes of DNA mismatch repair. Identifying individuals at risk requires a complete family history and evidence-guided genetic testing. Screening of women at increased risk for ovarian cancer can be considered in those not wishing prophylactic surgery and typically should include a twice-annual pelvic examination, serum CA-125 measurement, and transvaginal sonography. Patients must understand that these measures have not been conclusively proven to improve early detection or long-term survival. In all mutation carriers who have completed or do not desire childbearing, prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy must be strongly considered.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
James C
JC
Pavelka
Andrew J
AJ
Li
Beth Y
BY
Karlan
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing; D018095:Germ-Line Mutation; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010052:Ovariectomy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors