Ovarian Cancer - Introduction

Ovarian cancer cells that have spread outside the ovaries are referred to as metastatic ovarian cancers. Ovarian tumors tend to spread to the following locations:

The diaphragm.
The intestine.
The omentum (a fatty layer that covers and pads organs in the abdomen).

Cancer cells can also spread to other organs through lymph channels and the bloodstream.

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Other Ovarian Growths

Not all ovarian tumors are malignant. Benign cysts, dermoid tumors, and borderline malignant tumors all are distinct from ovarian cancer.

Benign Cysts. Benign cysts are common and typically develop in one of two ways:

Follicular Cysts. During normal ovulation, follicles (the little sacs in the ovary) expel eggs. If the egg is not expelled associated fluids and other substances can build up inside the follicle, forming a follicular cyst.
Corpus Luteum Cysts. Benign cysts may form when an egg has been released, but the emptied follicle (now called the corpus luteum) does not break down normally but fills with blood from nearby blood vessels.

Both follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts are normal parts of the menstrual cycle and nearly always resolve within one or two cycles without treatment.

Dermoid Tumors. Dermoid tumors are benign growths that occur when an egg begins to develop without fertilization by a sperm; they can contain hair, teeth, and cartilage. They are easily removed by surgery.

Borderline Ovarian Tumors. About 15% of ovarian tumors are referred to as "borderline" because their appearance and behavior under the microscope is between benign and malignant. These tumors are often referred to as carcinomas of low malignant potential because they rarely metastasize or cause death. Even when borderline carcinomas do spread outside the ovary, only 10% to 20% are fatal.