What are the causes of epithelial ovarian tumors?

The occurrence of ovarian epithelial tumors may be related to many factors. For example, endocrine disorders may cause this phenomenon, especially excessive secretion of gonadotropin, or estrogen, and long-term use of hormone drugs, which can easily cause ovarian epithelial tumors.

1. Ovarian epithelial tumors refer to tumors that originate from the germinal epithelium on the surface of the ovary. The germinal epithelium is derived from the primitive coelomic epithelium during embryonic development and has the potential to differentiate into various internal genital epithelia. If this epithelial tumor differentiates into the fallopian tube epithelium, it forms a serous tumor; if it differentiates into the cervical mucosa, it forms a mucinous tumor; if it differentiates into the endometrium, it forms an endometrioid tumor. Various epithelial tumors are divided into benign, malignant and borderline tumors according to their benign and malignant nature.

2. Metastatic pathways of ovarian epithelial tumors

The main route is direct spread of the tumor to surrounding organs and implantation and metastasis to the surface of the greater omentum and abdominal organs. The lymphatic system is also an important route of metastasis. Initially, the disease metastasizes to the pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes, and in the late stage, it may involve the left supraclavicular lymph nodes. Hematogenous metastasis is rare. Ovarian cancer metastasis is characterized by early and extensive spread. Tumors that are localized in appearance often have metastases to the peritoneum, omentum, retroperitoneal lymph nodes, diaphragm, etc.

3. Causes of ovarian epithelial tumors

1. Continuous ovulation: In theory, continuous ovulation causes continuous damage and repair of the ovarian epithelium. During the repeated repair process, the ovarian surface epithelial cells may mutate, eventually leading to ovarian tumors.

2. Endocrine factors: If the body secretes too much gonadotropin or estrogen, or takes drugs containing these hormones for a long time, it may promote epithelial hyperplasia and transformation of ovarian inclusion cysts.

3. Genetic factors: About 5% to 10% of ovarian epithelial cancer has a family history or genetic history. In addition, there are external factors such as the environment. The incidence of ovarian cancer is higher in industrially developed countries, which may be related to a high-cholesterol diet.