Newly Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer
If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it is essential to find a gynecologic oncologist to treat you. Gynecologic oncologists are specialists who receive extensive training in diagnosing and treating gynecologic cancers, including ovarian cancer.
The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) has a Find a Doctor tool where you can enter your address or zip code to find gynecologic oncologists and other specialists in your area.
The NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Ovarian Cancer is a valuable resource for better understanding your cancer, treatment, and more. We also invite you to check out our webinar on Ovarian Cancer 101 to learn some of the basics.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
- Epithelial ovarian cancer develops from the surface of the ovary. This is the most common type of ovarian cancer, of which approximately 75% are high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Less common types include endometrioid carcinoma, low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC), mucinous carcinoma, and ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC). This designation also includes fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers, which share similarities, including how they are treated.
- Germ cell ovarian cancer develops from the reproductive cells of the ovaries. It is rare and tends to occur in adolescents and young adults.
- Stromal cell ovarian cancer develops from the connective tissue cells of the ovaries. It is rare and is usually diagnosed at earlier stages than other ovarian cancers.
It is important to know and understand your ovarian cancer tumor type because it impacts your treatment options and will make you more informed in your treatment decision-making. Ask your doctor if you are not sure what kind of ovarian cancer you have.
Genetic and Tumor Testing
Although ovarian cancer usually occurs for unknown reasons, about 25% are caused by mutations (changes) passed down from parent to child, which is called hereditary ovarian cancer. Causes of hereditary ovarian cancer include mutations in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes and Lynch syndrome, which can also raise your risk of some other cancers.
Genetic testing can tell if you have a gene mutation linked to hereditary cancer. Everyone diagnosed with ovarian cancer should receive genetic testing. Your doctor or a genetic counselor can do genetic testing, which involves taking normal tissue (blood, saliva, or a cheek swab).
In addition to testing for inherited (germline) mutations, your tumor should also be tested for mutations (somatic or tumor mutations).
Diagnosed with hereditary ovarian cancer? FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) provides support, information, and resources for individuals and families affected by hereditary cancer.