What is ovarian cancer? Are there different types of ovarian cancer?
The term, ovarian cancer, is used to refer to a malignancy of the outer lining or epithelium of the ovary. The most common subtype is called papillary serous carcinoma because of the frond-like appearance microscopically. The second most common subtype is endometrioid. Mucinous and clear cell carcinoma are less common subtypes and tend to have a poorer prognosis. The terms, “ovarian carcinoma of low malignant potential” or “borderline carcinoma,” refer to a process that is much more slowly growing, poorly responsive to chemotherapy, is treated primarily surgically, and has a better survival rate.
