Begin tumors of ovary. These can be cystic (fluid filled) or solid tumors. All cysts of ovary are tumors. These appear and disappear throughout life and usually have no implications (functional) and do not need any treatment. Benign tumors of ovary like mucinous or serous cystadenomas or cystic teratomas or fibromas account for 70% of ovarian tumors. These tumors need to be surgically removed if they fail to respond to conservative treatment as some can turn cancerous if left alone.
These ovarian cancer accounts for about 70% of all ovarian cancers. The origin of the tumor could from surface of ovary, fallopian tube or the inner lining of abdomen (pertonium). Microscopically these can be serous, mucinous, clear cell, and endometrioid variety. Serous cell type is the most common variety. All these are treated the same way.
Borderline ovarian tumors: These are tumor that originate in the epithelial layer, but are less aggressive than epithelial ovarian cancer. They less than 10% of epithelial ovarian cancers. They are most often serous or mucinous cell types. They often have presentations of large masses, but uncommonly spead far. Usually surgery is curative in these cases.
Other ovarian tumors: germ cell tumors and sex cord-stromal tumors usually occur at young age. These tumors arise from the inner substance of ovary. These are generally less aggressive cancers. These are detected early due to pain or other symptoms. Surgery can cure most of these cases.