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Types of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is not a single disease. There are many different forms of Ovarian cancer, with over 30 types and subtypes of ovarian malignancies. However, medical experts have grouped these types of cancer into three different categories, according to the cells from where they were formed. These three main types of ovarian cancer are:

1.    Epithelial Ovarian Tumors. This is the most common form of ovarian cancer (80% of all cases). It forms in the cells on the surface of the ovary. This type occurs primarily in adults.

2.    Germ Cell Ovarian Tumors. Is formed in the egg producing cells inside the ovary. This type of cancer is very rear (only 10-15%) when compares to epithelial ovarian tumors. It occurs mainly in children and young women.

3.    Sex-cord Stromal Ovarian Cancer. This type is also very rare (5-10%). The cancer forms in the connective tissue, that hold the ovaries together. Cancers derived from this part of the ovary are often associated with abnormal production of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

In addition, cancers that are derived from other parts of the body can also spread into the ovary. This type of cancers is called metastatic cancer.