Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, the small, oval-shaped glands located on either side of the uterus.

There are several different types of ovarian cancer, including: ovarian epithelial cancer, the most common type of ovarian cancer that develops in the thin lining covering the outside of an ovary; fallopian tube cancer, which is extremely rare and develops in the tubes that connect the ovaries and uterus; and primary peritoneal cancer, which forms in the tissue that lines the abdominal wall.

Less common types of ovarian tumors include ovarian germ cell tumors and ovarian low malignant potential tumors, both of which are typically benign and do not spread outside the ovaries.

Like breast cancer or cervical cancer, ovarian cancer can be a scary diagnosis for many people; however, it’s highly curable when detected early, and the GW Cancer Center's Gynecological Oncology Program is home to a highly skilled team of experts who specialize in treating ovarian cancer.