Types of ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer. Primary peritoneal cancer and fallopian tube cancer are similar to epithelial ovarian cancer and are treated in the same way.

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

Epithelial ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer. Primary peritoneal cancer and fallopian tube cancer are similar to epithelial ovarian cancer and are treated in the same way.

Germ cell ovarian tumours

Germ cell ovarian tumours are rare and usually affect girls and young women up to their early 30's. Ovarian teratoma is the most common type.

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: 
01 Dec 2021
Next review due: 
01 Dec 2024