The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and contain eggs (ova) which can make a new human life when fertilised. In women of childbearing age, a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries each month (ovulation) and travels down the Fallopian tubes to the uterus (womb)

The ovaries are almond shaped organs, each about 3 cm long and I cm thick. They are found inside the pelvic cavity, one on each side of the uterus and are very close to the end of the Fallopian tubes.

Each ovary has an outer covering made up of a layer of cells called epithelium. Inside are ‘germ cells’ which will eventually mature into eggs. The eggs travel to the outside of the ovary to be released into the Fallopian tubes. If the egg is not fertilised by male sperm, it passes out of the uterus with the monthly period (menstruation).

U.S National Cancer Institute
Estimated new cases and deaths from ovarian cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 21,550
Deaths: 14,600

The ovaries also contain cells which release the female hormones: oestrogen and progesterone. These cells are called ’sex cord stromal’ cells.

As women get older, the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone. At the same time the production of eggs also decreases and the woman’s periods become irregular and eventually stop. This is known as menopause, or the ‘change of life’, and usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. After menopause it is no longer possible to have a child.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian Cancer is a malignant tumour in one or both ovaries. There are four main types of ovarian cancer, named after the part of the ovary that is affected. Knowing exactly which type of cancer you have helps your doctor advise you on which medical treatments is best for you.

Epithelial ovarian cancer

This type of ovarian cancer arises in the epithelium: the outer cells covering the ovary. It is the most common type of ovarian cancer. Nine out of 10 ovarian cancers are epithelial.

Germ cell and sex cord stromal cell ovarian cancers

These two types of ovarian cancer are very uncommon. The germ cell cancers arise in the cells that mature into eggs and usually only affect women under 30 years of age.

Sex cord stromal cell cancers arise in the cells which release the female hormones. These cancers can occur at any age.

Germ cell and sex cord stromal cell ovarian cancers usually respond very well to treatment and are often curable. If these cancers only affect one ovary, it may still be possible for younger women to have children after treatment.

Borderline tumours

Borderline tumours are a group of epithelial tumours which are not as aggressive as other forms of ovarian cancer. Sometimes the words ‘low malignant potential’ are used to describe borderline tumours

The outlook for women with borderline tumours is generally good regardless of whether the disease is diagnosed early or late.

Cancer of the Fallopian tubes

Rarely, cancer develops in the Fallopian tubes. This is very similar to epithelial ovarian cancer and is treated in much the same way.

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