American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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What is performed if ovarian cancer is confirmed during surgery?

Biopsy of adjacent organs
Peritoneal washings for cytology
Immediate chemotherapy
Only observation is undertaken

The correct answer is: Peritoneal washings for cytology

When ovarian cancer is confirmed during surgery, the collection of peritoneal washings for cytology is a critical step in the staging and management of the disease. This process involves washing the peritoneal cavity with a saline solution and then examining the fluid for malignant cells. This procedure helps assess the extent of the cancer and can provide important prognostic information. Obtaining peritoneal washings is particularly relevant since ovarian cancer can often spread within the abdominal cavity, and identifying cancerous cells in the peritoneal fluid can influence treatment decisions. This step is essential for determining whether the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries, influencing staging and ultimately the management plan for the patient. While other procedures might be considered in managing ovarian cancer, such as obtaining biopsy samples or initiating chemotherapy, the collection of peritoneal washings serves a distinct purpose in the surgical setting for accurate staging and treatment planning.