<aside>

Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma is the most common malignant epithelial ovarian tumor, accounting for approximately 40–60% of all ovarian cancers.

</aside>

It arises from the surface epithelium of the ovary and is typically high-grade, with aggressive behavior and a propensity for early peritoneal spread.

Epidemiology

• Age group: Most common in women aged 50–70 years.
• Risk factors: Nulliparity, early menarche/late menopause, BRCA1/2 mutations, family history of ovarian or breast cancer.

Pathology

• Histology: Characterized by papillary structures, psammoma bodies, and stromal invasion.
• Can be unilateral or bilateral (bilateral in up to 50–70% of cases).
• High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common and lethal subtype.
• Origin: Often from fimbrial end of the fallopian tube in BRCA-related cases (serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma – STIC).

Clinical features

Often asymptomatic until advanced; symptoms include:

• Abdominal distention
• Pelvic/abdominal pain
• Ascites
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, indigestion)