Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs that produce and store eggs (ovaries). It occurs when abnormal ovarian cells divide and multiply uncontrollably.
“Ovarian cancer” is a generic term for any primary malignant ovarian tumor. However, ovarian cancer is not one disease. There are many types of ovarian cancer, including some that are extremely rare and require specialized treatment. Therefore, establishing the correct diagnosis upfront is very important. The main types of ovarian cancer are named for the cells where the disease first forms.
Types of ovarian cancer
Epithelial ovarian cancer
About 90% of ovarian cancers start in the epithelium tissue; these cancers may come from the fallopian tube or from cells in the ovary. These may also arise from tissue that has implanted on the ovary. For example, endometriosis attached to the ovary may turn into endometrioid (carcinoma). This type of ovarian cancer is divided into many subtypes, including serous, mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell, transitional and undifferentiated types. The risk of epithelial ovarian cancer increases with age, especially after the age of 50.
Germ cell ovarian cancer
Germ cell tumors account for about 5% of ovarian cancers. They begin in the egg-producing cells. This type of ovarian cancer can occur in women of any age, but about 80% are found in women under the age of 30. The main subtypes are teratoma, dysgerminoma, endodermal sinus tumor and choriocarcinoma.
Stromal ovarian cancer
These tumors represent about 5% of ovarian cancers. They grow in the connective tissue that holds the ovary together and makes estrogen and progesterone. Most are found in older women, but sometimes they occur in girls.
Stromal tumors usually do not spread as fast as other ovarian tumors. Subtypes include granulosa, theca and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors.
Primary peritoneal ovarian cancer
Primary peritoneal ovarian cancer is rare. It has cells that look like high-grade serous ovarian cancer, but it starts in the lining of the pelvis and/or abdomen. Women can get this type of cancer even after their ovaries have been removed. Symptoms and treatment are similar to those of epithelial ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer screening
Ovarian cancer screening is recommended only for women at increased or high risk.
Being at increased risk does not mean you will get ovarian cancer. But it does mean you should start regular screening exams to detect cancer if it develops. When found early, the chances for successfully treating the disease are greatest.
You can find out more, including who is at increased risk and how to schedule a screening, on our Ovarian Cancer Screening page.
Ovarian cancer risk factors
Anything that increases your chance of getting ovarian cancer is a risk factor. These include:
- Age: The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age. About half of ovarian cancers are in women over 60.
- Family history of ovarian cancer
- One close relative with ovarian cancer who has a suspected BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
- Genetic factors: Approximately 10% to 15% of ovarian cancers are due to genes that make you more likely to develop cancer. These include:
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or suspected risk of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
- Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer)
- Never having children. The more children you have, the less likely you are to develop ovarian cancer.
Not everyone with risk factors gets ovarian cancer. However, if you have risk factors, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your health care provider.
Some people have an elevated risk of developing ovarian cancer. Review the ovarian cancer screening guidelines to see if you need to be tested.
Some cases of ovarian cancer can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Learn more about the risk to you and your family on our genetic testing page.
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Why choose MD Anderson for ovarian cancer treatment?
A team of some of the nation's top experts works together to address your specific condition when you come to MD Anderson's Gynecologic Oncology Center for ovarian cancer treatment and diagnosis. This team includes gynecologic oncologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists and pathologists. They are joined by a support staff trained to provide the highest level of ovarian cancer treatment.
This group follows you every step of the way, communicating and collaborating closely to deliver outstanding care. Their aim is to deliver the most advanced, minimally invasive ovarian cancer therapies while limiting side effects as much as possible.
Ovarian cancer care planned just for you
Your treatment for ovarian cancer is personalized to include leading-edge technologies and techniques. These may include advanced surgical procedures, chemotherapy options and targeted therapies. In addition, we offer treatment for benign (non-cancerous) tumors of the ovaries.
We are one of the most active centers in the nation for the treatment of rare ovarian cancers and relapsed ovarian cancer cases, offering the highest level of care that can include clinical trials and innovative approaches such as targeted therapies.
Surgery often is needed for an ovarian cancer diagnosis, but it is important to carefully consider the timing of surgery. Because MD Anderson is a leading cancer center with one of the most active ovarian cancer programs, our surgeons have a high level of expertise that sets them apart from many others. The MD Anderson physicians will carefully consider whether it is better to do surgery upfront or after chemotherapy.
Rare ovarian cancers
Many rare ovarian cancers have distinct molecular and clinical features. An accurate diagnosis is essential for getting the right care. The pathologists at MD Anderson are experts in diagnosing rare ovarian cancers. When patients are diagnosed with one of these rare cancers, they get care from gynecologic oncologists who specialize in that particular disease.
Precision medicine
We are leaders in studying ovarian cancer on the molecular level and translating research into advanced ways to find and treat the disease. Through our High-Risk Ovarian Cancer Screening Clinic and Gynecologic Cancer Genetics Clinic, we offer genetic testing for women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and other high-risk inherited conditions.
MD Anderson leads the nation in innovative research into the causes, prevention, detection and treatment of ovarian cancer, including rare ovarian cancers. In fact, we are one of the few cancer centers in the nation to house a prestigious federally-funded Ovarian Cancer SPORE (Specialized Program of Research Excellence) program. This means we offer a variety of clinical trials of new ovarian cancer treatments.
And, at MD Anderson you're surrounded by the strength of one of the nation's top comprehensive cancer centers. We have all the support and wellness services needed to treat not just the disease, but the whole person.
Going through cancer gives you an opportunity to see what you're made of.
MD Anderson ovarian cancer patients can get treatment at the following locations.
MD Anderson's Gynecologic Oncology Center
