Ovarian cancer encompasses several types of tumors that originate from the ovaries or the surrounding tissues. The main types of ovarian cancer include:

 

  1. Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases. It arises from the epithelial cells that cover the surface of the ovaries. There are several subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer, including:

    • Serous carcinoma: This is the most common subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer.
    • Mucinous carcinoma: Mucinous tumors are characterized by the presence of mucin-producing cells.
    • Endometrioid carcinoma: Endometrioid tumors resemble the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium) and are often associated with endometriosis.
    • Clear cell carcinoma: Clear cell tumors have clear cytoplasm under a microscope and are associated with endometriosis and certain genetic mutations.

  2. Germ Cell Tumors: Germ cell tumors originate from the cells that give rise to eggs (ova) in the ovaries. They are more common in younger women and include subtypes such as:

    • Teratoma: Teratomas contain cells from all three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) and can be benign (mature) or malignant (immature).
    • Dysgerminoma: Dysgerminomas are malignant germ cell tumors that resemble cells found in early-stage embryos.
    • Endodermal sinus tumor (yolk sac tumor): Endodermal sinus tumors are rare malignant tumors that often produce alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).

  3. Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors: Sex cord-stromal tumors develop from the ovarian cells that produce female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and include subtypes such as:

    • Granulosa cell tumor: Granulosa cell tumors can produce hormones, leading to symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding and breast tenderness.
    • Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor: Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors can produce male hormones (androgens), leading to symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and voice deepening.