Types of Ovarian Cancer & Pictures - OmniMedicalSearch.com

Conditions & Diseases: Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian tumors are called after the name of the tissue where they occur. Therefore, there are three types of ovarian cancer:

1. Germ Cell Tumors
These type of tumors develop in the egg-producing tissue. Approximately 5 percent of women with ovarian cancer have germ cell tumors. This cancer type usually occurs in teenage girls and young women and is effectively treated when it is detected in the incipient stages.

There are 4 germ cell tumors:

(1) Teratoma: This germ cell tumor has two main forms:

A benign form, called mature teratoma or dermoid cyst. It is a common form of tumor that affects women between teenage and adult years. The treatment option available for this type of tumor is surgery (the cyst is completely removed).
A cancerous form, called immature teratoma, commonly affects young girls and women (younger than 18).

(2) Dysgerminoma: This is a common form a germ cell tumors that affects young girls and women (20 years-old or younger). It's main characteristic is that it does not grow or spread rapidly and can be surgical removed. Besides surgery, another effective treatment option available is chemotherapy (especially in more serious cases when the tumor spread or returns).

3) Endodermal sinus tumor: This is a rare type of tumor that develops in girls and young women. It is characterized by a rapid growth process and can spread quickly. Chemotherapy is the most effective treatment option for this type of germ cell tumor.

(4) Choriocarcinoma: This is another rare type of cancerous tumor that develops in the placenta during pregnancy. Choriocarcinomas can grow and spread rapidly. The most effective treatment option for this type of tumor is chemotherapy.

2. Stromal tumors
This tumor develops in the stromal tissue, a connective tissue that holds together the two ovaries and secretes estrogen and progesterone. It is more common in women over 50, but can also occur in younger women. The main symptoms of this type of cancer are vaginal bleeding in older, menopausal women, and during menstrual periods and breast development in younger girls.

Stomal tumors have two main forms:

A cancerous form: granulosa cell tumors, granulosa-theca tumors, and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors
A benign form: thecomas and fibromas

3. Epithelial tumors (Carcinomas)
Epithelial tumors, also called carcinomas, develop in the epithelial tissue that covers the ovaries. Carcinoma is one of the most common forms of ovarian cancer.

Epithelial ovarian cancer is classified into distinct categories after three main characteristics: (1) the features of carcinoma cells, (2) the cancer grade and (3) the cancer stage.

Carcinoma cells are characterized by several specific features that can be seen under a microscope. Epithelial carcinoma tumors are classified into 4 categories: serous, mucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell types.

Ovarian carcinoma cancer is also classified on a three grade scale. An epithelial ovarian cancer in the first grade has a close to normal appearance and can be treated effectively, while an epithelial ovarian cancer in the third grade looks less like a normal tissue and has a worse prognosis.

Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com

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Page Last Modified:
10/15/2010