The most common type of ovarian cancer is

Appeared in: OSSSC Nursing Officer-2023

Explanation

Epithelial ovarian cancers, which arise from the surface layer (epithelium) of the ovary, are the most prevalent type of ovarian malignancy.
This category accounts for approximately 90% of all malignant ovarian tumors.
Within the epithelial group, high-grade serous carcinoma is the single most frequent subtype, accounting for over 70% of cases.

Option A: This is a broad histological term for cancers of glandular origin. While many epithelial ovarian cancers are adenocarcinomas, 'epithelial ovarian cancer' is the more precise and primary classification for the most common group.
Option B: These tumors originate in the lining of the uterus (endometrium), not the ovary. They are a distinct type of gynecological cancer.
Option D: This is a subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer, but it is significantly less common than the serous subtype.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification and prevalence of ovarian cancer types as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be aware that ovarian cancer often presents with vague, non-specific symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, abdominal distension, and early satiety, which can lead to a delayed diagnosis.
There is no effective routine screening test for the general population, making patient education on symptoms and risk factors (like family history of breast or ovarian cancer) a crucial nursing role.
What if? If a patient has a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, their lifetime risk for ovarian cancer increases dramatically. The nursing plan would involve education about increased surveillance, genetic counseling, and discussion of risk-reducing options like prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the 'most common type' of ovarian cancer.
Recall the major histological classifications of ovarian tumors.
The main categories are epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors, and sex cord-stromal tumors.
Remember the relative prevalence: epithelial tumors are by far the most common, accounting for the vast majority of cases.
Evaluate the options: 'Epithelial ovarian cancer' is a direct match to this most common category. The other options are either subtypes (mucinous adenocarcinoma), broader descriptive terms (adenocarcinoma), or cancers of a different organ (endometrial tumours).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 230-232

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 1007-1009

Practise the full OSSSC Nursing Officer-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.