浙江女子确诊“癌王”！恶性肿瘤长到足球大小，只用了短短一年，医生：70%患者发现就是晚期

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the importance of early detection and intervention in ovarian cancer, which is often diagnosed at advanced stages due to its asymptomatic nature and misleading early symptoms [1][7]. Group 1: Case Study - A 55-year-old woman, referred to as Zhang, underwent surgery for a malignant tumor that grew to 22 cm, initially mistaken for weight gain [2][4]. - Prior to her diagnosis, Zhang experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain and increased waist size for nearly a year but attributed them to aging [2][4]. - After a series of examinations, including an ultrasound that indicated a high likelihood of malignancy, she was advised to undergo surgery, which she initially declined [4][5]. Group 2: Ovarian Cancer Characteristics - Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the "silent killer" due to its subtle early symptoms and late-stage diagnosis, with 70% of patients diagnosed at advanced stages [7]. - The disease's early symptoms, such as abdominal bloating and digestive issues, can be mistaken for normal aging or gastrointestinal problems [7]. - The high-risk age group for ovarian cancer is between 40 and 60 years, coinciding with the perimenopausal and postmenopausal phases, where women may mistakenly believe they are safe from ovarian issues [7][9]. Group 3: Warning Signs and Prevention - Women, especially postmenopausal, should seek medical attention for persistent symptoms like abdominal discomfort, changes in appetite, and unexplained weight loss [8][9]. - Regular gynecological check-ups, including ultrasounds and tumor marker tests, are crucial for early detection [9]. - Awareness of family history related to ovarian and breast cancer is important for risk assessment and genetic counseling [9].