Ovarian cancer is a malignant growth of cells in the ovaries. The cells multiply quickly and have the potential to infiltrate and destroy healthy body tissue. In the female reproductive system, there are two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries, which are about the size of an almond, produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is often treated with surgery and chemotherapy.
Although it is uncertain what causes ovarian cancer, scientists have discovered risk factors for the disease. Ovarian cancer arises when the DNA of cells in or around the ovaries changes (mutates). A cell’s DNA contains instructions that tell the cell what to do. The alterations direct the cells to multiply and expand fast, resulting in a mass (tumor) of cancer cells. Malignant cells survive when healthy ones perish. They may infiltrate surrounding tissues and break away from the initial tumor in order to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
The kind of cell in which the illness originates determines the type of ovarian cancer you have and helps your doctor in identifying which medicines will be most beneficial for you.
Types of ovarian cancer include:
Ovarian epithelial cancer. This is the most prevalent kind. There are various subtypes of serous carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.
Tumors of the stroma. These uncommon tumors are often detected at an earlier stage than other types of ovarian cancer.
Tumors of germ cells. These uncommon ovarian cancers tend to strike at a younger age.