Factors Affecting The Severity of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in Patients Undergoing Treatment at Hua Hin Hospital Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Abstract

Background: Ovarian cancer is the most deadly form of cancer among reproductive organ cancers in women, and it ranks sixth in terms of incidence among Thai women. The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer patients is only 46%, but if diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year survival rate can increase to 94%. It is widely accepted that the most effective treatment for ovarian cancer involves surgery and chemotherapy, provided by expert oncologists specializing in gynecologic oncology.

Objective: To study factors affecting the severity of epithelial ovarian cancer in patients undergoing treatment at Hua Hin Hospital Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Method: A retrospective analytical study was conducted using data collected from electronic medical records and patient files from the outpatient department of Hua Hin Hospital between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2022. The study included a total of 63 patients. The data collection tool consisted of age, CA125 levels, ultrasound findings (abnormal findings included 1) multiloculate 2) solid part 3) bilateral lesion 4) ascites 5) metastasis, if there is 1 or less categorized in minimal abnormal more than 1 are marked abnormal), menstrual status, tumor size, pregnancy history, body mass index (BMI), Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) scores and severity of epithelial ovarian cancer. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data including mean values, frequencies, percentages and standard deviations. Chi-square tests and independent t-tests were used to determine statistical significance with a confidence interval of 95%.

Result: An early-stage group and an advanced-stage group consisting of 63 patients. It was found that CA125 levels in early-stage ovarian cancer (175.8+349.3 units/ml) were significantly lower than in advanced-stage ovarian cancer (2636.3+2793.2 units/ml.) (p<0.001). Additionally, RMI scores for early-stage ovarian cancer (2161+9) were significantly lower than those for advanced-stage ovarian cancer (56583+71796) (p<0.001). Furthermore, ultrasound results, menstrual status and tumor size showed significant correlation with the severity of epithelial ovarian cancer (p<0.05). Other factors did not show any significant correlation.

Conclusion: Based on the research findings, it is recommended to screen for epithelial ovarian cancer in women experiencing menopausal symptoms using CA125 levels and ultrasound findings. This will enable early detection and prompt surgical removal of the tumor, leading to improved patient survival rates.