Ovarian, Peritoneal, and Fallopian Tube Cancers Overview


Overview     |     Diagnosis     |     Treatment


What are Ovarian, Peritoneal, and Fallopian Tube Cancers?

These types of gynecologic cancers have similar cell types and behaviors and often respond the same to treatment.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth in the tissue that covers the ovaries — the almond-sized organs on each side of the uterus that produce eggs and hormones.

It's a more common gynecologic cancer, diagnosed in 22,000 women each year.

Peritoneal cancer

Peritoneal cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the membrane lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum.

Fallopian tube cancer

Fallopian tube cancer, or tubal cancer, develops in one or both of the fallopian tubes, which lead from each ovary to the uterus.

Types of Ovarian, Peritoneal, and Fallopian Tube Cancers

The following represent the most common types of these gynecologic cancers.

Epithelial cancer

  • Cancer that forms in the epithelium, or the protective tissue that lines the abdominal contents, including the:
    • ovaries
    • fallopian tubes
    • peritoneum
  • This is the most common type of ovarian and fallopian tube cancers.

Germ cell tumors

  • Abnormal cells that form in the germ cells, or eggs, inside the ovary.
  • This type of cancer usually:
    • occurs in only one ovary
    • affects teenage girls and young women
  • About five percent of ovarian cancers fall into this category.

Stromal tumors

  • Tumors that begin in the cells that produce the sex hormones:
    • estrogen
    • progesterone
    • testosterone
  • Approximately five percent of ovarian cancers are stromal tumors.

Who's at Risk for Ovarian, Peritoneal, and Fallopian Tube Cancers?

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing these cancers, including:

  • family history of ovarian, peritoneal, fallopian tube, breast, or other reproductive cancers
  • genetic mutations (BRCA 1 and 2)  that can cause reproductive cancers
  • age over 50
  • infertility
  • early menopause

If you or your family are concerned about the risk of developing ovarian cancer, our High-Risk Ovarian Cancer Program offers surveillance, prevention, and management recommendations.

» Learn more about gynecologic cancer prevention and screening.

Make an Appointment

Call 1-866-MyMagee to make an appointment or to learn more about the Magee-Womens Gynecologic Cancer Program.

» Location and directions: Gynecologic Cancer Program.