@oncoexperts
Ovaries are made of 3 types of cells, epithelial cells, germ cells and stromal cells. Each of these can develop into cancer. The most commonly seen types of ovarian cancer are epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors and sex cord stromal tumors. Germ cell tumors may be further divided into teratoma, dysgerminoma, yolk sac or endodermal sinus tumor, choriocarcinoma and embryonal tumor. Sex cord stromal tumor may be classified into granulosa cell tumor, Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, fibroma, thecoma and fibrosarcoma. Risk factors for ovarian cancer are early menarche/late menopause, family history, genetic causes, delayed marriage or childbirth, hormone replacement therapy, endometriosis, obesity and advanced age. Symptoms and signs of ovarian cancer include pain, distension, heaviness in abdomen, increased urinary frequency or urgency and abdominal bloating or constipation. Investigations for diagnosis and staging include tumor markers, ultrasound, biopsy and PET CT scan. It can be divided into four stages based on extent of disease, and staging system is called as FIGO staging system. Treatment options for ovarian cancer include chemotherapy, primary debulking surgery, interval debulking surgery, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.