Ovarian Cancer Overview

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among American women. [26] Over a lifetime, 1 in 67 women will develop ovarian cancer, with most cases diagnosed in women 55 or older. [17] If the cancer is diagnosed and receives treatment and does not spread outside the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is 93%. [17]

Ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in the cells of the ovaries, including surface epithelial cells, germ cells, and the stromal cells. Cancer cells that originate at other organ sites and travel (metastasize) to the ovary are not considered ovarian cancer. [17]

Many types of tumors affect the ovaries. Some are benign, or noncancerous, and the option may be to surgically remove either the entire affected ovary or the area of the tumor. Some are malignant, or cancerous. In this case, treatment options and the patient outcome depend on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. [17]

Ovarian tumors are identified by the type of cells the tumor started from and whether the tumor is benign or cancerous. The 3 main types of ovarian tumors are [17]:

• Epithelial Tumors
  Epithelial tumors develop from cells on the outer surface of the ovary.
• Germ Cell Tumors
  Germ cell tumors develop from cells that produce the ova, or eggs. Many germ cell tumors are benign.
• Stromal Tumors
  Stromal tumors develop from cells that hold the ovary together, and those that produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These tumors are quite rare and are less likely to spread.

Next -> Staging Ovarian Cancer