Ovarian cancer is a group of cancers that can begin in or near the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneal lining. The most common category is epithelial ovarian cancer, which is often discussed together with fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer.
Ovarian cancer describes cancers that develop from cells related to the ovary, fallopian tube, or nearby peritoneal lining. These cancers may form a tumor, spread within the abdomen, or affect nearby organs depending on the cancer type and stage.
Ovarian cancer develops when cells in ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal tissue acquire biological changes that allow abnormal growth, survival, invasion, and possible spread. Many high-grade serous ovarian cancers are now thought to begin in the fallopian tube area rather than directly inside the ovary.
The ovary produces eggs and hormones. Some tumors begin in ovarian surface, germ, or stromal cells.
Some cancers grouped with ovarian cancer may begin in the fallopian tube lining.
Primary peritoneal cancer begins in the abdominal lining and is often discussed with ovarian epithelial cancers.
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Most ovarian cancers are epithelial tumors, meaning they arise from cells covering or lining reproductive and abdominal structures.
Ovarian epithelial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer are closely related in clinical education.
Inherited gene changes can increase risk, especially BRCA1, BRCA2, and genes associated with Lynch syndrome.
Ovarian cancer is not one single disease. The main categories are based on the cell type where the tumor begins.
The most common group. It includes high-grade serous carcinoma, low-grade serous carcinoma, mucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell carcinoma.
Tumors that begin in egg-forming cells. They are less common and are more often seen in younger people.
Tumors that begin in hormone-producing or connective ovarian tissue. Some may produce hormones that cause noticeable symptoms.
Tumors with low malignant potential. These are biologically different from invasive ovarian cancers.
Ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague and may overlap with digestive, urinary, hormonal, or gynecologic conditions. Persistent, new, or worsening symptoms should be medically reviewed.
Persistent bloating or visible abdominal enlargement can be an important symptom to notice.
Discomfort, pressure, or pain in the pelvis or abdomen may need evaluation.
Early satiety, appetite loss, or difficulty eating may occur with abdominal or pelvic changes.
Frequent urination, urgency, constipation, or bowel habit changes can occur in some cases.
Ovarian cancer biology includes DNA repair, tumor growth, inflammation, hormone signaling, immune response, abdominal spread, and fluid accumulation.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are involved in DNA repair. When these pathways are altered, cells may accumulate DNA damage more easily.
A major epithelial ovarian cancer subtype often linked with TP53 changes and aggressive tumor biology.
Ovarian cancer can spread across abdominal and pelvic surfaces, which is why abdominal symptoms may become important.
Immune cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, cytokines, and extracellular matrix can influence ovarian tumor behavior.
Having a risk factor does not mean someone will develop ovarian cancer. Many people with ovarian cancer do not have an obvious high-risk history.
Ovarian cancer risk increases with age, especially after midlife.
A family history of ovarian, breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer may be relevant.
Inherited BRCA gene changes can increase ovarian and breast cancer risk.
Lynch syndrome-related genes can increase the risk of ovarian and other cancers.
Endometriosis is discussed in relation to some ovarian cancer subtypes.
Pregnancy history, infertility, and hormone-related factors may be discussed in risk assessment.
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They are not exactly the same, but epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer are closely related and often discussed together.
Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common group. High-grade serous carcinoma is a major invasive subtype.
Early symptoms can be subtle or similar to common digestive, urinary, or pelvic conditions, such as bloating or appetite changes.
Ovarian cancer is a group of cancers that can begin in ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal tissue. The most common category is epithelial ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in or near the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneal lining and can form tumors or spread within the abdomen.
Symptoms can include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, appetite changes, urinary changes, bowel changes, fatigue, or back pain.
BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome-related genes are among the most discussed inherited risk factors.
Clear answers to common ovarian cancer questions.
Ovarian cancer is a group of cancers that can begin in or near the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneal lining.
Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common group of ovarian cancers and begins in cells that cover or line ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal tissues.
Commonly discussed symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, appetite changes, urinary changes, bowel changes, fatigue, or back pain.
BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome-related gene changes are among the most commonly discussed inherited risk factors.
No. This page is educational only and does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
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