Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
The most common type, arising from cells on the outer surface of the ovary. It includes several subtypes such as high-grade serous, endometrioid and clear cell cancers.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries and can sometimes cause subtle or non-specific symptoms in its early stages. At SSO Hospitals, patients receive comprehensive ovarian cancer care, from diagnosis and staging to personalised treatment planning, ovarian cancer surgery and follow-up care.
Overview
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in one or both ovaries grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. The ovaries are reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone.
Ovarian cancer is not one single disease. Different types develop from different cells within or around the ovary and can behave differently. The type, stage and biological characteristics of the tumour help determine the appropriate treatment approach.
How Does Ovarian Cancer Start?
- Abnormal cell changes: Cells in or around the ovary develop changes that cause them to grow and divide abnormally.
- Uncontrolled growth: These abnormal cells continue multiplying and may form a tumour.
- Tumour develops: The tumour can remain within the ovary or begin growing into nearby tissues.
- Spread to nearby areas: In some cases, cancer cells can spread through the pelvis or abdomen and affect surrounding tissues.
- Further spread: Advanced ovarian cancer can spread to distant parts of the body.
Symptoms
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle and may resemble common digestive or menstrual problems. Possible symptoms include:
Clinical picture
Stages, types and how we diagnose
Ovarian cancer is staged according to how far the cancer has spread from the ovaries. Staging helps doctors understand the extent of the disease and plan appropriate treatment.
IStage
Stage I - Confined to the ovaries
The cancer is limited to one or both ovaries and has not spread beyond them.
IIStage
Stage II - Spread within the pelvis
The cancer has spread from the ovaries to other organs or tissues within the pelvis.
IIIStage
Stage III - Spread within the abdomen or nearby lymph nodes
The cancer has spread beyond the pelvis into the abdominal lining and/or nearby lymph nodes.
IVStage
Stage IV - Distant spread
The cancer has spread to distant organs or areas outside the abdominal cavity, such as the lungs or liver tissue.
Ovarian cancer staging can include further subdivisions within each stage. Your cancer specialist will determine the exact stage based on surgical findings, imaging, pathology and other diagnostic information.
Ovarian cancers are classified according to the type of cell from which they develop. The main types differ in their origin, behaviour and treatment approach.
Germ Cell Tumours
These develop from the cells that form eggs. They are more commonly diagnosed in younger women and include tumours such as dysgerminomas and yolk sac tumours.
Stromal Cell Tumours
These develop from the cells that form the supporting tissue of the ovary and may produce ovarian hormones.
Diagnosing ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging and laboratory tests. A biopsy or surgical tissue examination may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Medical History & Physical Examination
The doctor evaluates symptoms, medical history and performs an examination to identify possible signs of ovarian disease.
Imaging Tests
Ultrasound is commonly used to examine the ovaries and pelvis. CT or MRI scans may be recommended to assess the tumour and determine whether it has spread.
Blood Tests & Tumour Markers
Blood tests may include tumour markers such as CA-125. These tests can support evaluation but cannot by themselves confirm ovarian cancer.
Tissue Examination
When cancer is suspected, tissue obtained during surgery or biopsy may be examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer type.
Staging
Once ovarian cancer is confirmed, further evaluation is performed to determine how far it has spread and establish the stage, helping guide treatment planning.
Symptoms and test results alone cannot confirm ovarian cancer. A specialist evaluation and appropriate diagnostic testing are needed for an accurate diagnosis.
Risk & treatment
Ovarian Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not always known. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing the disease. Having a risk factor does not mean that a woman will develop ovarian cancer. Some women develop ovarian cancer without an identifiable risk factor.
Family History
Having close relatives with ovarian or certain other cancers can increase risk.
Inherited Genetic Mutations
Changes in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of certain types of ovarian cancer.
Hormonal & Reproductive Factors
Certain reproductive and hormonal factors may influence ovarian cancer risk.
Age - The risk of ovarian cancer generally increases with age, particularly after menopause.
Treatment for Ovarian Cancer
Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the type, stage and extent of the disease, along with the individual's overall health. Surgery and chemotherapy are commonly used, while targeted therapy, hormone therapy or other treatments may be considered in selected cases.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Targeted Therapy
Hormone Therapy
Supportive Care
Treatment is planned individually and may involve a combination of therapies. A multidisciplinary cancer team determines the most appropriate approach based on the diagnosis and stage.
Why SSO?
Why Choose SSO Hospitals for Ovarian Cancer Care?
Ovarian cancer can require complex surgical and medical treatment, particularly when disease has spread within the abdomen. SSO Hospitals brings together specialised cancer expertise and multidisciplinary care to support patients through diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery and follow-up.
- Specialised gynaecologic and surgical oncology expertise
- Multidisciplinary cancer care
- Comprehensive diagnosis and staging
- Complex ovarian cancer surgery when clinically appropriate
- Individualised treatment planning
- Coordination across surgical, medical and radiation oncology
- Support for genetic and molecular evaluation when indicated
Our specialists
Our Ovarian Cancer Specialists
Meet our specialists involved in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian and other gynaecological cancers.
21+ YrsDr. Sanket Mehta
Gastrointestinal Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC
SSO Cancer Hospital Ghatkopar West, Charni Road & SRCC
35+ YrsDr. Kamran A. Khan
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · GI & Colorectal Cancer · Robotic Oncologic Surgery · Organ-Preserving Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery · Minimal Access Gynaecological Oncology
Saifee Hospital · SSO Cancer Hospital Charni Road
35+ Yrs
25+ YrsDr. Chetan Anchan
Bone Tumours · Soft Tissue Tumours · Sarcoma Surgery · Musculoskeletal Oncology · Skeletal Metastases
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
21+ Yrs
20+ YrsDr. Nilesh Chordiya
GI Oncology · Colorectal Cancer Surgery · Gynaecological Cancer Surgery · Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Thane
18+ YrsDr. Kant Shah
Paediatric Cancer Surgery · Paediatric Robotic Surgery · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery · Paediatric Hepatobiliary Surgery · Paediatric Urology · Minimally Invasive Paediatric Surgery
SRCC, Mumbai
16+ YrsDr. Jay Anam
Breast Cancer · Breast Cancer Surgery · Breast Conservation Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
16+ YrsDr. Praveen Kammar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Cancer · Gynaecological Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Robotic & Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West & Ghatkopar West
14+ YrsDr. Shrikant Atluri
Uro-Oncology · Robotic Urologic Surgery · Kidney Cancer · Bladder Cancer · Prostate Cancer · Genitourinary Cancers
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
13+ YrsDr. Amit Chakraborty
Head & Neck Cancer · Oral Cancer · Tongue Cancer · Laryngeal Cancer · Thyroid Cancer · Salivary Gland Cancer
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
13+ YrsDr. Niharika Garach
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery · HIPEC · PIPAC
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
13+ YrsDr. Vivek Sukumar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Minimally Invasive GI & Colorectal Oncology
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi
10+ YrsDr. Jitesh Rajpurohit
Thoracic Oncology · Lung Cancer · Oesophageal Cancer · Mediastinal Tumours · Chest Wall Tumours · VATS Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Ghatkopar West
9+ YrsDr. Kaival K. Gundavda
GI Oncology · HPB Oncology · Liver Cancer · Pancreatic Cancer · Biliary Cancers · Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West · Ghatkopar West · Charni Road
8+ YrsDr. Veeresh Kumar Ireddy
Robotic Surgery · Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery · GI & HPB Oncology · Breast Oncology · Thoracic Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Cytoreductive Surgery & HIPEC
SSO Cancer Hospital, Belagavi
8+ Yrs
7+ YrsDr. Shirish Patil
Head & Neck Oncology · Skull Base Surgery · Organ-Preserving Cancer Surgery · Microvascular Reconstruction
SSO Cancer Hospital, Belagavi
7+ YrsDr. Deep Gala
Blood Disorders · Blood Cancers · Leukemia · Lymphoma · Multiple Myeloma · Bone Marrow Transplantation · Cellular Therapy · Immunotherapy
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri West · Borivali · SRCC
7+ Yrs
6+ YrsDr. Imaan Rumani
Breast Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Breast-Conserving Surgery · Oncoplastic Breast Surgery · Minimal Access Surgery · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · HIPEC · S-LYMPHA
SSO Cancer Hospital, Thane
6+ Yrs
5+ YrsDr. Anuj Suketu Shah
Gastrointestinal Cancer · Gynaecological Cancer · Peritoneal Surface Malignancies · HPB Surgery · Minimally Invasive Oncology · CRS · HIPEC · PIPAC
EPIC Hospital, Ahmedabad
4+ Yrs
4+ YrsDr. Vijay Tiwari
Head & Neck Oncology · Oral Cancer Surgery · Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery · Laryngeal & Pharyngeal Cancer Surgery · Reconstructive Oncology · Maxillofacial & Craniofacial Surgery
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
4+ YrsDr. Krishnanunni Nair
Oral Cancer Surgery · Head & Neck Surgical Oncology · Jaw Tumour Surgery · Salivary Gland Tumour Surgery · Maxillofacial Reconstruction
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi & White Lotus International Hospital, Navi Mumbai
3+ YrsDr. Sayed Aafreen Jamal Nasir
Breast Cancer · Gynaecological Cancers · Peritoneal Surface Malignancies
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri · Borivali
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Ovarian Cancer
If yours isn't here, call +91 - 8976897203 and ask us directly.
Common symptoms can include persistent bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, changes in bowel or urinary habits, fatigue and unexplained weight loss. Early ovarian cancer may cause few or non-specific symptoms.
Some ovarian cancers, particularly those detected at an earlier stage, can be treated with curative intent. Treatment and prognosis depend on the type, stage, tumour biology and response to treatment.
Surgery is an important part of treatment for many ovarian cancers, but the timing and extent of surgery vary. Some patients receive chemotherapy before surgery, particularly when the disease is advanced or surgery is not initially considered appropriate.
Survival varies according to the type and stage of ovarian cancer, tumour characteristics and response to treatment. Population-level survival statistics cannot predict an individual patient's outcome. Your doctor can discuss prognosis based on your specific diagnosis.
Yes. Some ovarian cancer treatments can affect fertility. In selected patients with certain early-stage cancers, fertility-sparing treatment may be possible. Fertility considerations should be discussed with the treatment team before therapy begins.
The exact cause is not always known. Risk can be influenced by age, family history, inherited genetic changes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations and certain other reproductive or medical factors.
CA-125 is a blood test that measures a protein that can be elevated in some women with ovarian cancer. However, CA-125 can also be elevated due to several non-cancerous conditions, so it cannot diagnose ovarian cancer on its own.
Yes. Ovarian cancer can recur after treatment, particularly in advanced disease. If recurrence occurs, treatment options depend on the location of recurrence, previous treatments, tumour biology and the patient's overall health.
There is currently no routine screening test proven to reliably detect ovarian cancer early in women at average risk who have no symptoms. Women with significant inherited or family risk may require an individualised risk-assessment plan.
Yes. Ovarian cancer commonly spreads within the abdominal and pelvic cavity and can involve the peritoneum, lymph nodes and, in advanced disease, distant organs. The extent of spread is an important factor in treatment planning.
Google reviews
What our patients say about us
Unedited words from patients and families, straight from our review pages.
4.8800+ Google reviews
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
Care, close to home
Nine centres across Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Belagavi. Pick what's closest and we'll match you to the right surgeon there.
SSO Ghatkopar
HospitalSilver Point, 7th Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology Hospital and Research Centre, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Kasturi Park, Maneklal Estate, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400086
089768 97203
SSO Thane
HospitalFirst Floor, Surgical Speciality Oncology Hospital, Highland Sky Arcade, Shop F, 11A and F-12, Naupada, Thane West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400602
089768 97203
SSO Hospital Andheri
Hospital2nd Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology, New Link Rd, above Bellevue Hospital, next to Audi Showroom, Sahakar Nagar, Azad Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
089768 97201
SSO Chembur
Clinic6th floor, Business Point, Ramakrishna Chemburkar Marg, near Savla Hospital, Chembur Gaothan, Kurla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
089768 97201
SSO Vashi
ClinicNo. 51, Shanti Center Building, 4th floor, Clinic, above Parichay Hotel, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400703
082688 80185
SSO Charni Road
Clinic9th Floor, Mehta Mahal, 9 B, Shrimad Rajchandraji Marg, Charni Road East, Opera House, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
089768 97201
SRCC
HospitalNh Srcc Children's Hospital, 1-1A, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Haji Ali, Haji Ali Government Colony, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
089768 97201
Belagavi
Hospital9666A-2/D, behind BUDA Office, Ashok Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Belgavi, Karnataka 590016
8976897201
Ahmedabad
Hospitalopp. Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Auditorium Hall, behind Rajpath Rangoli Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054, India
089768 97201
