Each year on 8 May, World Ovarian Cancer Day brings global attention to one of the most challenging gynaecological cancers.

Ovarian cancer is not a single disease but a group of distinct tumour types affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes or peritoneum. According to the World Health Organization, ovarian cancer encompasses more than 30 distinct histological subtypes, each with its own prevalence, molecular characteristics and clinical outcomes.

The most common types include high-grade serous carcinoma, endometrioid carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma. Rarer forms are also recognised, each requiring tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Despite medical advances, ovarian cancer remains the deadliest cancer of the female reproductive system. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 70% of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage because early symptoms, such as bloating, abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits, are vague and often overlooked.

There is currently no effective screening for women at average risk. As Dr Eugenia Colón notes, most patients are diagnosed late, making treatment more challenging and survival rates lower. Early detection and awareness of symptoms are therefore critical to improving outcomes. (American Cancer Society, 2026)

The role of pathology in diagnosis

Accurate tumour classification is essential for guiding treatment

Pathology is essential for diagnosing ovarian cancer and guiding treatment.

Ovarian cancer is highly heterogeneous, with tumour subtype, growth patterns and molecular features directly affecting prognosis and therapy (Smolarz et al., 2026).

At Unilabs, pathologists provide clear, actionable diagnoses by closely examining tissue samples and assessing cell appearance, growth patterns and key markers.

The integration of molecular and biomarker analysis has improved diagnostic accuracy and enabled more personalised treatment approaches (Miccolis et al., 2026).

New technologies such as digital pathology and artificial intelligence can also help improve precision and consistency in ovarian cancer diagnosis (Gülmez et al., 2026).

Accurate pathology remains the foundation of optimal patient care.

How advanced diagnostics and molecular testing are transforming diagnosis

Genetic and biomarker profiling support a more personalised approach to treatment

In recent years, ovarian cancer diagnostics have undergone a profound transformation, driven by the rapid integration of molecular testing into routine pathology practice.

What was once primarily based on morphology has evolved into a more comprehensive and precise discipline in which genetic and biomarker profiling play a crucial role.

As Dr Colón explains:

“The advent of molecular testing has introduced a new era of personalised medicine, where treatment can be tailored to the specific molecular profile of each tumour, maximising efficacy and minimising side effects for patients.”

This shift is strongly supported by recent studies showing that molecular profiling can identify actionable mutations and biomarkers, allowing clinicians to individualise therapy and improve clinical outcomes (Zhang et al., 2024; Matias-Guiu et al., 2023).

At the same time, this evolution places new demands on the role of the pathologist.

Integrating molecular data with traditional histopathological assessment is not automatic. It requires continuous learning, critical interpretation and close clinicopathological correlation.

As Dr Colón emphasises:

“As pathologists, we must continuously update our knowledge to effectively correlate morphological findings with molecular analyses. This synergy between traditional pathology and modern molecular techniques is paramount in guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes.”

Recent literature reinforces this perspective, highlighting that the combination of morphology, immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics can support personalised treatment strategies in ovarian cancer.

The importance of continued progress in research

New insights into the origins of ovarian cancer are opening opportunities for prevention and earlier intervention

Dr Colón explains that research has reshaped our understanding of the origins of ovarian cancer.

Evidence indicates that many high-grade serous carcinomas arise from the distal fallopian tube, particularly from precursor lesions such as serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) (Kurman & Shih, 2016).

She highlights:

“Groundbreaking discoveries, including work on pre-malignant lesions in the fallopian tubes, are opening new avenues for prevention and early intervention.”

These insights have already influenced preventive strategies, including risk-reducing salpingectomy.

For now, Dr Colón says early detection remains one of the most critical factors in improving survival rates.

“That’s why, at Unilabs, we remain committed to advancing diagnostic excellence to support earlier detection, more precise diagnosis, and better outcomes for patients at every stage of care.”