Ovarian Cancer

Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD
Updated on January 24, 2025

Ovarian cancer affects a woman’s ovaries and surrounding structures. It rarely causes symptoms at early stages but may produce vague abdominal and pelvic discomfort at late stages. It is diagnosed with a combination of clinical exam, imaging tests, and biopsy. Blood tumor markers, like CA-125, can be elevated. Treatment, which includes surgery and medical intervention, can improve survival and quality of life. 

Understanding Ovarian Cancer

A woman holding her stomach in pain
Ovarian Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
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What Might Be Causing Your Ovary Pain
A person using talcum powder, a risk for ovarian cancer
What Causes Ovarian Cancer?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What causes ovarian cancer?

    Ovarian cancer is caused by a harmful overgrowth of cells in and around the ovaries. The cancer can start in the lining of the ovary or fallopian tube, the supportive tissue, or in the egg cell. There are several associated risk factors, including hereditary and acquired genetic mutations (alterations in the DNA), and the influence of hormones.

    Learn More: Causes and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer
  • How is ovarian cancer detected?

    Ovarian cancer may be detected with a pelvic exam, but it might be too small to identify with this method. Imaging, including transvaginal ultrasound or non-invasive abdominal imaging may reveal the tumor. A biopsy is the method of definitive diagnosis. Cancer markers like CA-125, HE4, and CA-19-9 might be elevated in the blood, but are not specific for ovarian cancer.

    Learn More: Examination of an Ovarian Mass
  • How do you get ovarian cancer?

    There are several lifestyle risk factors associated with increased chances of developing ovarian cancer, but it isn’t clear whether they cause it. Obesity, smoking, estrogen therapy, a high-fat diet, a diet high in processed food, heavy alcohol use, a sedentary lifestyle, and the use of talc-containing feminine products have all been correlated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

    Learn More: Causes and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer
  • Is ovarian cancer genetic?

    Genetic changes associated with ovarian cancer can be hereditary or acquired. BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, the most frequently seen mutations in this cancer, are inherited and are primarily associated with breast cancer. Overall, non-BRCA genetic changes, including ATM, STK11, RAD51B, are more common in this cancer, but there isn’t a single gene mutation that is more common than BRCA in ovarian cancer.

    Learn More: What Is Genetic Testing for Cancer?
  • Is ovarian cancer curable?

    The likelihood of a cure of ovarian cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis. Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies can shrink or eliminate the tumor. Ovarian cancer diagnosed at stage 1 has a 5-year survival rate of over 90%, but more advanced ovarian cancer generally has a lower survival rate and can be fatal.

    Learn More: Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
  • How fast does ovarian cancer spread?

    Ovarian cancer can spread within months after diagnosis, especially if it is already at a late stage. The cancer usually spreads faster in premenopausal than post menopausal women. Certain types, including high grade epithelial serous carcinoma and stromal tumors, tend to grow especially rapidly.

    Learn More: Ovarian Cancer Overview
  • Does ovarian cancer hurt?

    Ovarian cancer doesn’t usually cause pain or any symptoms, but it can hurt, especially at late stages. Issues such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, back pain, frequent urination, and pain during sex can develop due to physical pressure or blockage caused by the tumor. Weight loss can occur due to metastasis or appetite changes.

    Learn More: Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
  • How is ovarian cancer prevented?

    Having a first child before age 26, breastfeeding, using oral contraceptives, and tubal ligation surgery are associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer. If a woman has a family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer, regularly scheduled screening for ovarian cancer (as well as these other types of cancer) can identify it at an early stage to help prevent serious consequences.

    Learn More: Ovarian Cancer Overview

Symptoms

Woman with stomach pain due to ovarian cancer
What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
Abdominal pain patient woman having medical exam with doctor on illness from stomach cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic discomfort, Indigestion, Diarrhea, GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) - stock photo
What You Need to Know About Pelvic Pain
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When Abdominal Swelling Could Mean Ovarian Cancer
Woman hands holding white sanitary pad because of abnormal vaginal bleeding
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Diagnosis

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How Ovarian Cancer Is Diagnosed
Woman in pain on bed
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Key Terms

  • Epithelial Tumors

    Epithelial tumors arise from the tissue that lines and protects organs. Epithelial ovarian tumors are the most common type of ovarian tumor. They arise from the tissue that lines the ovaries or fallopian tubes and they include low grade and high grade tumor types. These cancers should be treated with surgery, radiation, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy.

  • Germ Cell Tumors

    Germ cell tumors form from egg cells and grow in the ovary. They can be benign or malignant, and usually affect women between ages 10 to 30. Germ cell tumors are often diagnosed in the early stages but can grow rapidly, and may cause severe pelvic pain. Subtypes include dysgerminomas, endodermal sinus tumors, and immature teratomas. Treatment is usually oophorectomy (surgical ovary removal).

  • Metastasis

    Metastasis is the spread of cancer outside its initial location. Cancer cells can enter and travel through the blood vessels or lymphatic tissue, and then they can invade and grow in new locations. A tumor can metastasize within its organ of origin or in other organs, potentially causing pressure, obstruction, and dysfunction. Metastases are associated with a lower cancer survival rate.

    What is a Metastasis and Why, How, and Where Do They Happen?
  • Stromal Tumors

    Stromal tumors arise from supportive connective tissue, and they are a rare type of ovarian tumor. They may be hormone-producing and can result in vaginal bleeding or excessive hair growth (hirsutism). These tumors can be treated with surgery and chemotherapy, and symptoms may also be treated with hormone therapy.

The Stages of Ovarian Cancer

Explore interactive models that show how ovarian cancer can metastasize (spread) in the pelvis, and how the disease changes as it progresses.

Woman being shown a chart by her doctor
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Page Sources
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Additional Reading