What is ovarian cancer?

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What is cancer?
Cancer is a disease of the cells in the body. The body is made up from millions of tiny cells. There are many different types of cell in the body, and there are many different types of cancer which arise from different types of cell. What all types of cancer have in common is that the cancer cells are abnormal and multiply 'out of control'.

A malignant tumour is a 'lump' or 'growth' of tissue made up from cancer cells which continue to multiply. Malignant tumours invade into nearby tissues and organs which can cause damage.

Malignant tumours may also spread to other parts of the body. This happens if some cells break off from the first (primary) tumour and are carried in the bloodstream or lymph channels to other parts of the body. These small groups of cells may then multiply to form 'secondary' tumours (metastases) in one or more parts of the body. These secondary tumours may then grow, invade and damage nearby tissues and can spread again.

Some cancers are more serious than others, some are more easily treated than others (particularly if diagnosed at an early stage), some have a better outlook (prognosis) than others.

So, cancer is not just one condition. In each case it is important to know exactly what type of cancer has developed, how large it has become and whether it has spread. This will enable you to get reliable information on treatment options and outlook.

See separate leaflet called 'Cancer - What are Cancer and Tumours' for further details about cancer in general.

What is ovarian cancer and how common is it?
Ovarian cancer is more common than cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix). About 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK. The majority of cases are in women over 50 years although it can occur in younger women. There are various types of ovarian cancer. They are classified by the type of cell from which the cancer originates:

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type (about 9 in 10 cases). This type of cancer develops from one of the cells that surrounds the outside of each ovary. This outer layer of cells is called the germinal epithelium of the ovary. Epithelial ovarian cancer mainly affects women who have had their menopause - usually women aged over 50. It is rare in younger women. There are various 'sub-types' depending on the exact look of the cells causing the cancer (which can be seen under the microscope).
Germ cell ovarian cancer develops from germ cells (the cells that make the eggs). About 1 in 10 cases of ovarian cancer are germ cell cancers. They typically develop in younger women. Again, there are various 'sub-types' depending on the exact look of the cells causing the cancer. Most cases of germ cell ovarian cancer are curable, even if diagnosed at a late stage, as it usually responds well to treatment.
Stromal ovarian cancer develops from connective tissue cells (the cells that fill the ovary and produce hormones). This type of cancer is rare.

The treatments and prognosis (outlook) are different for each type of ovarian cancer.

The rest of this article is only about epithelial ovarian cancer.