What are the main types of ovarian cancer?
There are three main types of ovarian cancer, based on where the cancer starts in the ovary:
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
This is by far the most common type, making up about 85-90% of all ovarian cancers. It grows from the epithelial cells that cover the surface of the ovary. Risk Show Full Answer
What are the main types of ovarian cancer?
There are three main types of ovarian cancer, based on where the cancer starts in the ovary:
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
This is by far the most common type, making up about 85-90% of all ovarian cancers. It grows from the epithelial cells that cover the surface of the ovary. Risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed around age 63.
Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer
These tumors develop from the cells that make eggs. They're rare, accounting for about 5% of cases. This type tends to affect younger women, with 80% of cases found in people under 30.
Stromal Ovarian Cancer
This type grows from the connective tissue or hormone-producing cells of the ovary. It accounts for about 2-5% of cases and typically grows more slowly than other types. Epithelial Cancer Subtypes
Within epithelial ovarian cancer, there are several important subtypes:
- High-Grade Serous Carcinoma (HGSC): The most common subtype at about 70% of all ovarian cancers. Often diagnosed at later stages with a five-year survival rate below 50%
- Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma (LGSC): A rarer subtype (6-8% of cases) that tends to affect younger women around age 43. It grows more slowly but can be resistant to chemotherapy
- Endometrioid Cancer: The second most common epithelial type, often diagnosed in midlife. Frequently found at earlier stages, especially in people with a history of endometriosis
- Clear Cell Carcinoma: Makes up 5-11% of cases, more common in younger women. Often caught early but may be less responsive to chemotherapy
- Mucinous Tumors: Rare overall but the most common type in women under 40. Usually found at early stages Other Types
Germ Cell Tumor Subtypes:
The most common cancerous germ cell tumor is dysgerminoma, typically appearing in teens and 20s.
Stromal Tumor Subtypes:
Include granulosa cell tumors (the most common stromal cancer) and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors. These often produce hormones and are frequently caught early with good prognoses.
Understanding your specific type helps guide treatment decisions, as each type may respond differently to various therapies.
November 19, 2025
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