Persistent abdominal pain in a 65-year-old woman may indicate which condition?

Persistent abdominal pain in a 65-year-old woman is most commonly associated with ovarian cancer due to several factors. Ovarian cancer is known to cause vague symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, particularly in older women. The insidious onset of these symptoms can often lead to a delay in diagnosis, making awareness of this condition crucial in this demographic.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers and becomes more prevalent after menopause, which typically occurs in women around this age. The anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system in postmenopausal women, along with increased lifetime exposure to risk factors (such as genetics or family history), contribute to the likelihood of developing this malignancy.

While choriocarcinoma is a type of gestational trophoblastic neoplasm typically associated with pregnancy, it would not be relevant in a postmenopausal context. Benign cystic teratomas, although they can cause discomfort or pain, are usually not persistent and are more often found in younger women. Endometrial cancer could also present with abdominal pain, but it typically manifests through abnormal bleeding, especially in postmenopausal women, making the association with persistent abdominal pain less direct