What are the types of epithelial ovarian cancer?
What are the types of epithelial ovarian cancer?
About 3 out of 4 epithelial ovarian cancers are high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOC). Cancer cells that are high-grade grow and spread faster than those that are low-grade.
Experts believe HGSOC grows slowly at first. It starts in your fallopian tubes. It may take up to six and a half years to reach your ovaries.
Once the cancer is in your ovaries, it spreads quickly. The cancer often affects your peritoneum and other parts of your body. Nearly 70% of HGSOCs are stage 3 or 4 at the time of diagnosis. This means the cancer has spread outside of the original tumor and is now metastatic cancer.
Less common types of epithelial ovarian cancers include:
- Endometrioid carcinoma: This cancer is more common in people who have endometriosis. It affects the endometrium, the inner lining of your uterus. It responds better to chemotherapy than some other types do.
- Low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC): This slow-growing cancer affects people at a younger age (between 45 and 57). It accounts for about 10% of epithelial ovarian cancers. The disease is often advanced at the time of diagnosis and doesn’t respond well to chemotherapy. Low-grade carcinomas grow slowly. They’re unlikely to become high-grade cancers.
- Mucinous carcinoma: These tumors are more distinct and respond well to treatments. They tend to be large (around 8 inches or 20 centimeters). Typically, they only affect your ovaries.
- Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC): People who are Asian and people with endometriosis are most at risk for this cancer. The disease is often advanced at diagnosis. It doesn’t respond well to chemotherapy.
- Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the ovary: SCC typically develops from benign (noncancerous) conditions. It may form from ovarian cysts, endometriosis or Brenner tumors (solid, abnormal growths on your ovaries). It responds well to treatment when caught early.