Ovarian Cancer: The Recognition and Initial Management of Ovarian Cancer

Excerpt

These clinical guidelines review a number of clinical questions that involve the detection, diagnosis and initial management of ovarian cancer and which focus on areas of uncertainty or where there is a wide variation in clinical practice.

The clinical questions were chosen using a consultative process that involved an array of stakeholders that included patient groups, representatives from relevant professional organisations and the pharmaceutical industry.

For each chapter of the guideline, the Guideline Development Group (GDG) have made evidence-based recommendations concerning clinical practice and, where applicable, some recommendations on future research.

The GDG are pleased that the focus of many of the clinical issues relate to an early stage in the patient pathway with particular relevance to patients and their families. In particular, identifying the first tests in primary care should help ensure women are directed onto the right clinical pathway in a timely fashion.

This guidance updates and replaces recommendation 1.7.4 in ‘Referral guidelines for suspected cancer’ (NICE clinical guideline 27; published June 2005).