Carer, Ovary, Introduction

Germ cell cancers are very uncommon, accounting for no more than 5% of ovarian cancers. They arise from the germ cells, or egg making cells, of the ovary, and usually occur in women under the age of 40. They are most common in teenagers or women in their twenties.

Epithelial ovarian cancer is cancer which originates from a surface cell of the ovary. It is the most common form of ovarian cancer, and most cases occur in post-menopausal women, usually in their 60s or 70s. Unfortunately, the vast majority (65%) of women with ovarian epithelial cancer are diagnosed with advanced stage (stage III) disease. In almost all cases, early ovarian cancer is picked up as incidental findings in someone who is having treatment for an unrelated problem.

The ovaries^(G) are a pair of female reproductive organs that are located in the pelvis^(G).   They sit either side of the uterus^(G) (womb) at the ends of the fallopian tubes^(G) and are usually about the size of a Brazil nut.   The ovaries perform two functions: to produce eggs and to make female hormones.