MALIGNANT OVARIAN TUMORS

Indidence: Ovarian malignancy constitutes about 15–20 percent of genital malignancy. It is more prevalent in USA and Scandinavian countries but much less in Oriental or Latin American and Asian countries including Japan and India. Approximately, 1 in every 70 newborn females in the United States will live to develop ovarian cancer. Twenty percent of ovarian neoplasms are malignant. It is more common amongst nulliparous. It is the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths in women exceeded only by breast, colon and lung malignancies.

EPIDEMIOLOGY: -

Highest incidence is recorded in the industrialized countries (Sweden, USA and UK). There is significant reduction in the risk with increasing parity. Nulligravidas carry a higher risk for ovarian malignancy. Incessant ovulation theory (Fathalla, 1971) suggests repeated ovulatory trauma to the ovarian epithelial lining is a promoting factor for carcinogenesis. Combined oral contraceptive pills reduce the risk significantly as also repeated pregnancies. The role of ovulation inducing drugs is yet uncertain. Use of Coffee, tobacco, alcohol and dietary fat has been implicated.

Association of ovarian cancer with talc and asbestos has also been mentioned. Breastfeeding, tubal ligation and hysterectomy have been associated with reduction in the risk.

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE

The medicines that can be thought of use are:-

• Iodum
• Sepia
• Argentum nit
• Kreosotum
• Asterias Rubens.