Thirty different types of ovarian cancer exist, depending on the area of the reproductive system they appear in. In general, ovarian cancer attacks the ovaries, which are the reproductive glands in women. However, ovarian cancer can show up in other reproductive organs as well. Even women who no longer have their can suffer from some types of ovarian cancers, although these occurrences are rare.
Epithelial
Epithelial tumors occur in a type of ovarian cancer that develops in the epithelium tissue covering the outside of the ovaries. This cancer risk increases with age, and occurs primarily in women older than 60 (see Resources).
Germ Cell
These tumors form in the egg-producing cells of the ovaries and affect women of any age, but mainly those younger than 30.
Sex Cord Stromal
Sex cord stromal ovarian cancer develops in connective tissues that keep ovaries together and generate estrogen and progesterone in the female reproductive system. This form of ovarian cancer is rare, and sufferers may only feel slight abdominal discomfort in its early stages.
Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma
The American Cancer Society says that primary peritoneal carcinoma is a type of ovarian cancer similar to epithelial ovarian cancer. It manifests itself on the lining of the pelvis and abdominals, and usually occurs in women who have had their ovaries removed (see Resources).
Fallopian Tube Cancer
This rare type of ovarian cancer starts in the fallopian tube, the pathway that carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus (see Resources).
Teratoma
Teratoma, a germ cell form of ovarian cancer, camouflages itself to appear as three layers of a developing embryo. These tumors make even look like a growing embryo with teeth, bones and hair. It is common in women younger than 18, but can affect any woman in her reproductive years.
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