Grades and Types of Ovarian Cancer

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The most common type of ovarian cancer is high-grade serous adenocarcinoma. However, that is not the only one. There are several others:

Epithelial Ovarian Cancers

Clear cell carcinoma is the second most common type. It is seen in 1 out of every 10 women with epithelial ovarian cancer. This type of ovarian cancer may be tied to a history of endometriosis. (Endometriosis is when the tissue that normally lines the uterus starts growing in other places.)

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma is the third most common type. This cancer is more often found at an early stage. It also can occur in women with a history of endometriosis.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma makes up 5% of all ovarian cancers. Its tumors are often filled with mucus and may become quite large.

Low-grade serous carcinoma is a rare, more slow-growing type of ovarian cancer. It is treated with surgery and often chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy. 

 

Other Rare Types of Ovarian Cancer

Stromal Tumors: This type of cancer starts in the cells inside the ovary that produce hormones. About 7 out of every 100 ovarian cancers start in these cells. The tumors that start in these cells tend to be diagnosed earlier than epithelial tumors. Most of these cancers are granulosa cell tumors.

Germ Cell Tumors: This type of cancer starts in the cells inside the ovary that produce eggs. Ovarian cancer that starts in these cells is rare and typically occurs in girls and women between the ages of 10 and 29.

Small Cell Cancer of the Ovary: This is similar to other types of small-cell cancers. This type of ovarian cancer typically occurs in younger people. These cancers often grow very quickly. Learn more about small cell cancer of the ovary.

 

Find resources for ovarian cancer

Learn about treatment options for different types of ovarian cancer..