What types of ovarian cancer are there?

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor of the ovaries that is characterized by abnormal cells in the ovaries that begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled manner. These cells can not only grow within the ovary, but can also invade surrounding tissues or organs and even spread to other parts of the body. There are many types of ovarian cancer, depending mainly on the cell type from which it originates.

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer. This type of ovarian cancer originates from the epithelial cells on the surface of the ovary. It is highly malignant and has no obvious early symptoms. Therefore, many patients are already at an advanced stage when diagnosed. Primary peritoneal cancer and fallopian tube cancer have certain similarities with epithelial ovarian cancer in terms of pathological characteristics and treatment methods.

Germ cell ovarian tumors originate from cells in the ovary that develop into eggs. These tumors can be benign or malignant. Common germ cell ovarian tumors include teratomas and dysgerminomas. A teratoma is a tumor containing multiple tissue components and can be either a mature teratoma (benign) or an immature teratoma (malignant). Dysgerminoma is a highly malignant germ cell tumor.

Sex cord stromal ovarian tumors arise from the sex cord and stromal tissue of the ovary and can be benign or malignant. Granulosa cell tumors are the most common type of sex cord stromal ovarian tumors and are relatively less malignant, but may metastasize in some cases.

Additionally, there is a type called borderline ovarian tumors, which originate in the tissue covering the ovaries. Although these tumors are not cancer, they have the potential to become malignant and are often curable with surgery.

In short, there are various types of ovarian cancer, and each type has its own unique pathological characteristics and treatment methods. For the prevention and diagnosis of ovarian cancer, the key lies in increasing public health awareness, regular gynecological examinations, and early detection and treatment. At the same time, for different types of ovarian cancer, doctors will develop personalized treatment plans based on the patient's specific conditions to improve the treatment effect and patient survival rate.

(Click to view an introduction to drugs for the treatment of ovarian cancer)

References:

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer/types