Understanding the Types of Ovarian Cancer - Full Guide

Types of Ovarian Cancer Explained - A Complete Guide

Did you know that only about 1 in 5 cases of ovarian cancer are found early? It’s one of the toughest cancers to detect in its first stages, which is why understanding the different ovarian cancer types is so important.

You see, each ovarian cancer subtype is different. Some respond well to certain therapies, while others need a faster, more aggressive approach. When oncologists know the exact type, they can match it with the right treatment, giving patients the best chance at survival.

We created this guide to walk you through the various ovarian cancer types, so you feel informed, supported, and a little more in control during a time that can feel overwhelming.

What are the main types of ovarian cancer?

When people ask, “How many different types of ovarian cancer are there?”, the answer is usually grouped into three main categories. These include the ovarian cancer common type as well as several rare types of ovarian cancer.

Epithelial ovarian cancer (most common)

Here they are:

• •High-grade serous carcinoma
  This aggressive tumour develops from the cells covering the ovary’s surface and is the most common type of epithelial cancer. It often spreads early, making a timely diagnosis challenging. When the cancer is detected early and is found solely in the ovary or fallopian tubes, the five-year relative survival rate is 93%.
• •Low-grade serous carcinoma
  A less aggressive form, low-grade serous carcinoma, grows slowly and often responds better to treatment. Patients diagnosed with this subtype can have a median survival of 10-12 years, with some living longer without recurrence.
• •Endometrioid carcinoma
  Originating from ovarian cells that resemble the lining of the uterus, this subtype often presents earlier and is associated with endometriosis. It generally has a better prognosis, with a 5-year overall survival rate of approximately 80.6%.
• •Clear cell carcinoma
  Clear cell carcinoma develops from the cells in the ovary that produce hormones and support ovarian structure (stromal-like cells). Known for its resistance to chemotherapy, it can be challenging to treat. However, early-stage diagnosis offers a more favourable outcome, with a 3-year overall survival rate of 90.1% for stage I.
• •Mucinous carcinoma
  Mucinous carcinoma is a rare type of ovarian cancer and often forms as a single cyst. It may be treated with fertility-sparing surgery. Earlier stages have a 5-year survival rate of close to 90%.

Germ cell ovarian tumours (rare, younger age)

Germ cell ovarian tumours start in the egg-producing cells of the ovary and are pretty rare, mostly affecting younger women. Recovery rates are often very encouraging, with 98% patients achieving long-term remission when treated promptly.

Within these types of ovarian cancer tumours, there are a few distinct forms, each with its own outlook and approach to care.

Here’s a closer look at the main germ cell ovarian cancer subtypes:

• •Dysgerminoma
  The most common germ cell type, Dysgerminoma, is a solid tumour made of large, uniform cells. It is usually found in teens and young women, and responds well to treatment, with a 5-year survival rate of around 94%.
• •Immature teratomas
  Immature teratomas contain various tissue types, such as nerve or muscle tissue. They are more aggressive than dysgerminomas but still have a good prognosis when treated early. The 5-year disease-free survival rate ranges from 87% to 90% for early-stage cases.
• •Yolk sac tumour
  Here, the cells resemble the yolk sac of an embryo. These tumours are aggressive ovarian cancer subtypes that can spread quickly if not treated promptly. However, when diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is about 94%.

Other rare types of ovarian cancer

Other than these, there are also rare types of germ cell ovarian tumours, such as:

• •Choriocarcinoma:
  A highly aggressive type of germ cell ovarian cancer, treated with chemotherapy; early detection improves outcomes.
• •Mixed germ cell tumours:
  Contains more than one germ cell type (e.g., dysgerminoma + yolk sac); treatment and prognosis vary by mix.
• •Embryonal carcinoma:
  Extremely rare, usually in teens and young adults (10–25 years); aggressive but responds well to surgery and chemotherapy.

Each type of germ cell ovarian cancer acts differently, so identifying it early can improve outcomes and ease uncertainty.

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Stromal tumours (hormone-related)

Some ovarian cancers are influenced by the hormones the ovary produces, and that’s where stromal tumours[c] come in. They develop from the ovary’s connective tissue, which helps support the organ and regulates hormone activity.

So, here’s a look at the main types:

• •Granulosa cell tumour
  These tumours arise from granulosa cells, which produce estrogen in the ovary. They grow slowly and often present early, and have a 90% chance of survival. Granulosa cell tumours are one of the key stromal ovarian cancer subtypes and can cause hormone-related symptoms like abnormal bleeding.
• •Sertoli-leydig tumour
  Originating from the hormone-producing Sertoli and Leydig cells, these rare stromal tumours usually appear in younger women. They can cause hormone changes, such as excess hair growth. Early detection leads to excellent survival rates, often 100%.
• •Fibroma and thecoma
  These stromal ovarian tumours are usually benign and arise from the ovary’s connective and hormone-producing cells. Fibromas are solid, non-hormone-producing tumours, while thecomas often produce estrogen, which can cause hormone-related symptoms. Because both are typically non-cancerous, the five-year survival rate is very high, close to 100% when detected early, making them some of the most manageable ovarian cancer types.

How different factors affect diagnosis and treatment

While we often quote survival rates based on early detection, every person’s prognosis is unique. Only your oncologist can assess your outlook by considering a few key factors that influence ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment[d].

Understanding these factors helps make sense of why treatment plans differ between patients and tumour types in ovarian cancer.

Key considerations include:

• •Histology:
  Looking at the tumour under a microscope allows oncology doctors to pinpoint the exact kind of ovarian cancer. This guides decisions about how aggressive treatment should be and which therapies are likely to work best.
• •BRCA mutation:
  A BRCA mutation changes both diagnosis and prognosis. It weakens the tumour's DNA repair, making it more aggressive, but also more sensitive to PARP inhibitors, letting your oncologist tailor treatment to your tumour type.
• •Fertility-preserving surgery:
  For younger patients, the type of tumour and its stage determine whether ovary-sparing procedures are possible, balancing treatment with future fertility goals.
• •Targeted therapy:
  Certain subgroups of ovarian cancer respond better to specific drugs. For example, tumours with high VEGF activity may benefit from bevacizumab, which blocks blood vessel growth in the tumour.

Symptoms and warning signs to know for ovarian cancer

If you’re concerned, knowing the early symptoms of ovarian cancer[e] can help you recognise warning signs sooner. Here’s what to look out for:

• •Persistent or unusual discomfort in your pelvic or abdominal area
• •Bloating that lasts more than a few weeks
• •Increased urinary frequency or urgency
• •Feeling full quickly, nausea, or changes in appetite
• •Ongoing fatigue, back pain, or unexplained weight changes

These signs can help you be more aware of possible changes related to different ovarian cancer tumours.

Navigating your ovarian cancer journey: Insights on prognosis and care

It’s natural to feel anxious when facing the different types of ovarian cancer, especially since symptoms are often vague.

By identifying the exact ovarian cancer type, your oncologist can guide you toward the most effective plan of care. This personalised approach ensures that treatment aligns with the way your cancer grows and responds.