Ovarian Cancer

The most common subtype, making up about 75% of epithelial ovarian cancers.

• Prevalence: Common, often diagnosed at advanced stages.
• Characteristics: Symptoms include bloating, pelvic pain, and difficulty eating. Often detected at stage III or IV.
• Prognosis: Challenging to treat; typically requires a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

A less aggressive form compared to HGSOC.

• Prevalence: Less common than high-grade serous cancer.
• Characteristics: Slower growing with a better overall prognosis. Less likely to transform into high-grade cancer.
• Prognosis: Generally favorable with a slower progression.

A rare subtype that may be associated with endometriosis.

• Prevalence: About 6% of epithelial ovarian cancers in the US.
• Characteristics: May be resistant to chemotherapy and is often diagnosed at a younger age and at earlier stages of disease.
• Prognosis: More resistant to standard treatments; ongoing research into alternative therapies.

• Prevalence: Approximately 10% of epithelial ovarian cancers.
• Characteristics: May be associated with endometriosis. Can be high-grade or low-grade, with low-grade being more common.
• Prognosis: Treatment is similar to treatment of serous epithelial ovarian cancer.

Rare type of epithelial ovarian cancer that is more likely to be diagnosed while it is still confined to the ovaries.

• Prevalence: Rare, with a tendency to be large.
• Characteristics: Diagnosis can be challenging due to similarities with metastatic tumors from other organs.
• Prognosis: Good if detected early; typically has a favorable outlook in early stages.

Also known as tumors of low malignant potential (LMP).

• Prevalence: Accounts for about 15% of epithelial ovarian cancers.
• Characteristics: Do not invade surrounding tissues but can spread and recur. Often diagnosed in younger women.
• Prognosis: Generally favorable, especially when diagnosed early; better prognosis than invasive cancers.

Malignant tumors with poorly-differentiated cells.

• Prevalence: Less common than benign teratomas.
• Characteristics: Grow rapidly and are malignant.
• Prognosis: Treatment usually involves surgery and chemotherapy.

The most common malignant germ cell tumor.

• Prevalence: More common in young women in their teens or twenties.
• Characteristics: Often treated with surgery, sometimes combined with chemotherapy or radiation.
• Prognosis: Generally favorable with appropriate treatment.

A type of germ cell tumor often diagnosed in children and young adults.

• Prevalence: About 15% of germ cell tumors.
• Characteristics: Rapid growth and early metastasis; median age at diagnosis is 18-19.
• Prognosis: Challenging due to rapid progression; treatment involves surgery and chemotherapy.

The most common type of malignant sex-cord stromal tumors.

• Prevalence: Comprises 2-5% of all ovarian cancers.
• Characteristics: Produce hormones causing symptoms like early puberty or menstrual changes in young patients, or postmenopausal bleeding in older women. Includes adult-type and juvenile-type.
• Prognosis: Often diagnosed early; advanced stages may require chemotherapy.

Rare tumors that may produce hormones like androgens.

• Prevalence: Rare; involves a mix of Sertoli and Leydig cells.
• Characteristics: In some cases, may produce hormones that can cause symptoms such as hirsutism or voice deepening.
• Prognosis: Managed with surgery and possibly chemotherapy.

Malignant mixed Mullerian tumors containing both epithelial and stromal elements.

• Prevalence: Comprises 1-4% of ovarian cancer cases.
• Characteristics: Aggressive and often diagnosed in postmenopausal women.
• Prognosis: Treatment may involve surgery and chemotherapy.

Extremely rare, highly malignant tumor.

• Prevalence: Accounts for 0.1% of ovarian cancer cases.
• Characteristics: Includes subtypes like pulmonary, neuro-endocrine, and hypercalcemic. Median age at diagnosis is 23.
• Prognosis: Highly malignant; treatment options are limited and involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.