Epithelial ovarian cancers probably derive in the case of the serous histotype from the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube. There is no screening for this disease, which might impact on the overall mortality rate. Therefore, it is crucial to identify patients with higher risk by taking a thorough family history and performing genetic counselling and testing. Diagnostic methods used are tumour marker CA-125, transvaginal ultrasound and CT imaging; however, neither alone nor in combination will these methods detect the disease earlier, even if performed in regular controls. A fixed pelvic mass on bimanual examination is a typical feature for pelvic disease, while extended abdomen and ascites is pathognomonic for peritoneal disease. The prognosis has improved over the years due to more radical debulking in advanced stages and improved adjuvant therapies.