What is Ovarian Cancer ?

There are many types of ovarian cancer, including some that are extremely rare and require specialized treatment. The main types of ovarian cancer are named for the cells where the disease first forms.

About 90% of ovarian cancers start in the epithelium tissue, which is the lining on the outside of the ovary. This type of ovarian cancer is divided into serous, mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell, transitional and undifferentiated types. The risk of epithelial ovarian cancer increases with age, especially after the age of 50.

Common types of Ovarian Cancers

Germ cell ovarian cancer 

Germ cell tumors account for about 5% of ovarian cancers. They begin in the egg-producing cells. This type of ovarian cancer can occur in women of any age, but about 80% are found in women under the age of 30. The main subtypes are teratoma, dysgerminoma, endodermal sinus tumor and choriocarcinoma.

Stromal ovarian cancer 

These tumors, about 5% of ovarian cancers, grow in the connective tissue that holds the ovary together and makes estrogen and progesterone. Most are found in older women, but sometimes they occur in girls.

Stromal tumors usually do not spread as fast as other ovarian tumors. Sub-types include granulosa, granulosa-theca and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors.

Rare types of Ovarian Cancers

Primary peritoneal ovarian cancer

It is a rare cancer. It has cells like those on the outside of the ovaries, but it starts in the lining of the pelvis and abdomen. Women can get this type of cancer even after their ovaries have been removed. Symptoms and treatment are similar to epithelial ovarian cancer. 

 Fallopian tube cancer 

It starts in the fallopian tube and acts like epithelial ovarian cancer. Symptoms and treatment are similar to ovarian cancer.

Do you need a screening?

While no standardized screening tests for these cancers have been shown to improve outcomes, Aegle Cancer Hospital is working to change that. CA-125, a cancer biomarker being studied at Aegle Cancer Hospital, as well as other new biomarkers, are being evaluated as a screening test.

Aegle Cancer Hospital recommends that women who are at high risk of this cancer need to be screened regularly.

Risk Factors associated with Ovarian Cancer

You are considered high risk if you have:

*Anything that increases your chance of getting this cancer is a risk factor. These include:

• Age:

The risk increases with age. About half of the affected individuals are in women over 60.

• Genetic factors: 

Approximately 10% to 15% the cases are due to genes that make you more likely to develop cancer.

• Never having children.

 The more children you have, the less likely you are to develop such cancer.

*Not everyone with risk factors gets it. However, if you have risk factors, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your health care provider.

Some people have an elevated risk due to : 

cases being passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counselling may be right for you.

Getting treated in Mauritius with ACH

A team of expert works together to address your specific condition when you come to Aegle Cancer Hospital. This group follows you every step of the way, communicating and collaborating closely to deliver outstanding care. Their aim is to deliver the most advanced ovarian cancer therapies with the least impact on your body.

About The Specialists available at ACH Mauritius

You benefit from this approach, as well as the expertise of some of the nation’s top radiologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists and pathologists. They are joined by a support staff extensively trained to provide the highest level of ovarian cancer treatment.

Your treatment for cancer touching the ovaries area is personalized to include leading-edge technologies and techniques. These may include advanced surgical procedures, chemotherapy options and targeted therapies. In addition, we offer treatment for benign (not cancer) tumors of the ovaries.

We are one of the most active centers in the nation for treatment of rare ovarian cancers, offering the highest level of care, as well as clinical trials and innovative approaches, including targeted therapies.

Surgery often is needed for an ovarian cancer diagnosis, and it often is the first line of treatment.

Our surgeons have a high level of expertise that sets them apart from many others.