TYPES & STAGES OF OVARIAN CANCER

TYPES

There are 3 types of ovarian cancer :

1. Epithelial tumors


2. Stromal tumors


3. Germ cell tumors

Epithelial Tumor
Epithelial ovarian tumors develop from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary. Most epithelial ovarian tumors are benign (noncancerous). There are several types of benign epithelial tumors, including serous adenomas, mucinous adenomas, and Brenner tumors. Cancerous epithelial tumors are carcinomas - meaning they begin in the tissue that lines the ovaries. These are the most common and most dangerous of all types of ovarian cancers.

Stromal Tumor
Ovarian stromal tumors are a rare class of tumors that develop from connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and those that produce the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone and also in the stroma of ovary. The most common types are granulosa-theca tumors and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors.

Germ Cell Tumor
An ovarian germ cell tumor is growth in a woman's ovaries. Most aren’t cancer. Instead, they are “benign” growths. Cancerous germ cell tumors are rare.Germ cell tumors start in the ovarian cells that produce eggs.

STAGES

Stages of ovarian cancer :

STAGE 1

• Stage 1A: The cancer is limited, or localized, to one ovary.


• Stage 1B: The cancer is in both ovaries.


• Stage 1C: There are also cancer cells on the outside of the ovary.

STAGE 2

• Stage 2A: The cancer has spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes.


• Stage 2B: The cancer spread to the bladder or rectum.

STAGE 3

• Stage 3A: The cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen and the lymph nodes in the abdomen.


• Stage 3B: The cancer cells are outside of the spleen or liver.


• Stage 3C: Deposits of cancer at least 3/4 of an inch are seen on the abdomen or outside the spleen or liver. However, the cancer isn’t inside the spleen or liver.

STAGE 4

• In stage 4A, the cancerous cells are in the fluid around the lungs.


• In stage 4B, the most advanced stage, the cells have reached the inside of the spleen or liver or even other distant organs like the skin or brain.