Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women and causes more deaths than any other type of gynecologic cancer. The likelihood of developing ovarian cancer increases with age. The American Cancer Society notes that about two-thirds of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are age 55 or older.
Ovarian cancer is more common in Caucasians than in African-Americans, and a woman's risk of getting invasive ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 71. Because early detection is vital in the successful treatment of this cancer, it is important to know the symptoms, which can include pelvic or abdominal pain or feeling the need to urinate often.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
The ovary contains three types of tissue, and each type can develop a unique kind of cancer.
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Epithelial ovarian cancer, the most common form of ovarian cancer, begins in the cells covering the ovaries. These tumors can be classified as:
- Benign, or non-cancerous; these usually do not lead to serious illness.
- Tumors of low malignant potential, which are are also known as borderline epithelial ovarian cancer, have precancerous cells that may become cancerous.
- Malignant epithelial ovarian tumors, which are called carcinomas. These tumors are categorized into subtypes according to cell features which can be seen under a microscope. Subtypes include serous (the most common), mucinous, endometrioid and clear cell. Tumors that don't fit into any of these subtypes are known as undifferentiated. Undifferentiated tumors tend to grow and spread more quickly than the other types.
Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma (PPC)
PPC is a rare cancer closely related to epithelial ovarian cancer. Other names for this cancer include extra-ovarian (meaning outside the ovary) primary peritoneal carcinoma (EOPPC), or serous surface papillary carcinoma. PPC develops in cells from the lining of the pelvis and abdomen (the peritoneum), which are very similar to cells on the surface of the ovaries.
Germ Cell Tumors
Ovarian germ cell tumors develop from the cells that produce the ova, or eggs, within the ovary. Most germ cell tumors are benign but about 5% are cancerous; these are most frequently seen in teenage girls or young women. Types of germ cell tumors include:
- Dysgerminoma, a rare type of cancer, but the most common ovarian cancer of germ cells. Although considered malignant, most do not grow or spread rapidly and most patients are cured by surgical removal of the ovary.
- Teratomas, which look like three layers of a developing embryo when seen under a microscope. A form of this tumor, called a mature teratoma, is benign and is the most common type of benign germ cell tumor. Another form, called an immature teratoma, is cancerous and usually affects girls and women younger than age 18. Grade 1 immature teratoma that have not spread beyond the ovary are generally cured by surgical removal of the ovary, followed by continued observation. More advanced stages can require chemotherapy in addition to surgery, depending on the stage and the individual patient.
- Endodermal sinus tumors and choriocarcinoma are very rare and typically affect girls and young women. They tend to grow and spread rapidly but are sensitive to chemotherapy.
Stromal Tumors
About 5% to 7% of ovarian cancers are stromal tumors, which begin in the connective tissue cells of the ovary. More than half are found in women older than 50, but about 5% of stromal tumors occur in young girls. Types of malignant stromal tumors include granulosa cell tumors (which account for the majority of stromal tumors), granulosa-theca tumors, and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (which are usually considered low-grade cancers). Thecomas and fibromas are non-malignant stromal tumors.
Ovarian Cysts
An ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid inside an ovary that will usually disappear after a few months. Your doctor may order tests to learn more about your cyst if you aren’t ovulating, if the cyst is large, or if it doesn’t go away on its own. A small number of ovarian cysts turn out to be malignant; surgery may be needed to diagnose these.
Ovarian Cancer Care at UCSD
If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, UCSD’s gynecologic oncologists will provide you with exceptional care and treatment at every step. Each of our gynecologic oncologists has the advanced training and access to state-of-the-art technology required to precisely determine the exact type and extent of your cancer. After this, they will work to design a treatment plan specific to your unique needs.
At UCSD, we focus on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms or the disease. Our team of physicians, case managers and social services staff will help you with every aspect of your treatment.
Learn More About Ovarian Cancer
Request a Consultation with a UCSD Gynecologic Oncology Specialist Using our Online Form
Call our New Patient Office at (858) 822-6100, or toll-free (866) 773-2703