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Ovarian cancer

Types of ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer. 

Rare types of ovarian cancer include germ cell tumours (teratomas and dysgerminomas), stromal tumours (granulosa tumours) and sarcomas. 

Find out about sarcomas

Epithelial ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancers start in the cells covering the ovaries and are the most common type of ovarian cancer.

Fallopian tube cancer

Fallopian tube cancer is a cancer that starts in the fallopian tubes. These connect the ovaries to the womb. It is a type of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Primary peritoneal cancer

Primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) is a rare cancer that starts in the thin layer of tissue lining the inside of the tummy (the peritoneum). It is a type of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Germ cell ovarian tumours

Germ cell ovarian tumours begin in the ovarian cells that develop into eggs. They can be non cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

Sex cord stromal tumours

Sex cord stromal ovarian tumours can be non cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Granulosa cell tumours are the most common type.

Borderline ovarian tumours

Borderline ovarian tumours are abnormal cells that form in the tissue covering the ovary. They are not cancer and are usually cured with surgery.

Last reviewed: 06 Dec 2024

Next review due: 06 Dec 2027

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