Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a disease produced by the rapid growth and division of cells within one or both ovaries. The ovaries contain cells that, under normal circumstances, reproduce to maintain tissue health. When growth control is lost and cells divide too much and too fast, a cellular mass-or tumor-is formed. If the tumor is confined to a few cell layers, like surface cells, and it does not invade surrounding tissues or organs, it is considered benign. If the tumor spreads to surrounding tissues or organs, it is considered malignant, or cancerous. When cancerous cells break away from the original tumor, travel through the blood or lymphatic vessels, and grow within other parts of the body, the process is known as metastasis.

There are three categories of the types of ovarian cancers that we know of. The first being Epithelial cancers. They are the most common type of ovarian cancers and come from the cells that line or cover the ovaries. The second is germ cell cancers. These come from the cells that form into eggs in the ovaries. The last category is sex cord, stromal cell cancers. These form in the cells that hold the ovaries together and produce female hormones.

About 30,000 cases of ovarian cancer are estimated to be reported each year. 15,000 of them can end up fatal. 2% of all women are at risk for ovarian cancer in their lifetime. Most commonly women over 60 are diagnosed with disease, but family history can make that age younger. 5% of all cancer deaths each year are from ovarian cancer.

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