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Home > Health Centers > Cancer > Specific Cancers > Ovarian Cancer
Cancer
Overview
Ovarian cancer is categorized into one of three types, depending on the tissue in which it is found: epithelial, germ, or stromal.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
To help with the diagnosis, your doctor will do a pelvic exam and may order an ultrasound and blood tests. A biopsy is rarely used to diagnose ovarian cancer before surgery to remove the tumor.
Genetics of Ovarian Cancer
Certain hereditary conditions or cancers can increase the risk for ovarian cancer. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your family history.
Deciding on Treatment
The type of treatment you have depends on your overall health and the extent of the disease. Your doctor will help determine the appropriate treatment for you.
Managing Side Effects
Side effects during cancer treatment vary from person to person. Your health care team will help to ease any side effects that you experience.
Prevention and Screening
Women with a mother or sister diagnosed with ovarian, breast, or colon cancer are at greater risk for ovarian cancer. Older women and women who are obese are also at higher risk.
Advanced Reading
Learn more about ovarian cancer from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Physician Data Query (PDQ®) for patients. It includes information about prevention, screening, and treatment.