The Hidden Enemy: Understanding Ovarian Cancer Types

Ovarian cancers are among the eight most commonly occurring cancers in women worldwide. The most common types of ovarian cancer originate in one or both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, or the peritoneum (the tissue surrounding the abdominal organ).

Most ovarian tumours are classified based on the cell names from which they originate. Despite their similarities, ovarian cancer patients need different treatment plans.

Understanding Tumours

Typically, cells divide only when they need extra cells in a normally functioning body. However, some of the controlling mechanisms of the division of cells can disappear, creating too many cells that can't be ordered by the body. Upon reaching maturity, this tissue will form a mass called a tumour.

Epithelial Ovarian Carcinomas

The most common type of ovarian cancer is epithelial ovarian cancer, which accounts for 90 out of 100 ovarian tumours. This cancer originates from the surface layer of the ovary and can present in different forms depending on the epithelial cells.

The most frequently diagnosed type of epithelial ovarian cancer is serous ovarian cancer, which your doctor can classify based on how closely the tumour cells resemble normal tissue. 

Other epithelial tumours include:

• Endometrioid ovarian cancer (common)

• Clear-cell ovarian cancer (rare)

• Mucinous ovarian cancer (rare)

Similar to epithelial ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal carcinoma and fallopian tube cancer are managed using the same treatment methods.

Ovarian Germ Cell Tumours

Germ cell ovarian tumours are a rare type of cancer that develops in the cells of the ovaries that ultimately become eggs. These tumours are most often found in young women under the age of 30.

There are several different types of germ-cell ovarian tumours, some of which are benign and others of which are malignant.

Benign germ cell ovarian tumours are typically referred to as mature teratomas or dermoid cysts. They are the most frequently occurring type of ovarian germ cell tumour and are usually found in women during their reproductive years.

Malignant germ cell ovarian tumours, on the other hand, are cancerous and contain cancer cells. There are various types of these tumours, including immature teratomas, dysgerminomas, and endodermal sinus tumours (yolk sac tumours).

Ovarian Stromal Cell Tumours

Stromal tumours, or sex cord-stromal tumours (SCST), are a rare type of ovarian tumour that originates in the cells that make up the reproductive organs. They make up only 10 percent of all ovarian cancers in women.

They are often detected in the early stages, and vaginal bleeding is a common symptom.

There are three main types of SCSTs:

• Pure stromal tumours: fibromas and thecomas (usually benign)

• Pure sex cord tumours: adult and juvenile granulosa cell tumours

• Mixed sex cord-stromal tumours: Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours (can be benign or cancerous)

What is the Most Aggressive Form of Ovarian Cancer?

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is a serious cancer that affects the ovarian tissues. The cancer starts to grow slowly in the fallopian tube. Upon reaching the ovaries, they spread rapidly. Unfortunately, many HGSOC patients have advanced (metastasised) ovarian cancer before being diagnosed.

In summary, ovarian cancer is a complex disease with different types of tumours originating from various cells. It is important for women to understand the different types of ovarian tumours so that they can receive an accurate diagnosis and get the best possible treatment as soon as possible. With this, you’ll be better equipped to take proactive steps towards prevention and detection.