Approximately 8000 women are diagnosed with epithelial ovarian carcinoma in Germany every year, making it the second most common genital malignancy. It comes seventh in cause-of-death statistics, thus assuming a prominent place among gynaecological tumours. Of these tumours, 95% occur sporadically. In 5%-10% of cases, a genetic predisposition is assumed. Ovarian carcinoma belongs to the genital malignancies which carry a poor prognosis. Germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for the inherited variant of ovarian carcinoma. The clinical significance of this syndrome assumes greater proportions with the potential to predictively diagnose the predisposing gene. Mutation carriers have up to a 60% risk of developing ovarian carcinoma. The clinical challenge lies in identifying high-risk patients and, in the context of interdisciplinary counselling, informing them about effective preventive measures.     «

Approximately 8000 women are diagnosed with epithelial ovarian carcinoma in Germany every year, making it the second most common genital malignancy. It comes seventh in cause-of-death statistics, thus assuming a prominent place among gynaecological tumours. Of these tumours, 95% occur sporadically. In 5%-10% of cases, a genetic predisposition is assumed. Ovarian carcinoma belongs to the genital malignancies which carry a poor prognosis. Germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are respons...     »