Types of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a group of diseases. The type depends on the cell where the cancer starts.

Epithelial ovarian cancer (about 90 percent)

Starts in the surface cells of the ovary or in the fallopian tube. Main subtypes:

• High-grade serous: the most common and often found at an advanced stage
• Low-grade serous: slower growing
• Endometrioid: may be linked with endometriosis
• Clear cell: also linked with endometriosis
• Mucinous: can resemble other cancers in the digestive tract

Germ cell tumours

Start in the egg-producing cells. They are rare, mostly in girls and young women, and often treatable. Examples are dysgerminoma and yolk sac tumours.

Sex cord-stromal tumours

Start in the cells that make hormones. They are rare, such as granulosa cell tumours, and can cause hormone-related symptoms.

Borderline tumours

Cells look abnormal but do not invade deeply. They grow slowly and often have a good outlook after surgery.

Related cancers

Primary peritoneal cancer and fallopian tube cancer behave like epithelial ovarian cancer and are treated in a similar way.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda does not classify these cancers as modern pathology does. Pelvic growths are discussed under Granthi and Arbuda. This is an interpretive framework.

See a doctor if you have been told you have an ovarian cyst or mass. Ask whether specialist review is needed.

When to get help

Contact your gynaecologist or oncologist promptly if symptoms are new, persistent or worsening. Do not wait for them to settle on their own, and do not delay treatment for alternative therapies. Early assessment and a clear plan with your team give the best chance of good outcomes.

Remember

The type decides the treatment. Pathology after surgery gives the exact diagnosis.