Our team of leading experts at the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center offers patients access to the most advanced treatments and state-of-the-art technology coupled with personalized, compassionate care. Our ovarian cancer team works closely with each patient throughout their cancer journey, from diagnosis and treatment to follow-up care.
Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center includes experts across disciplines and specialties from both Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). From medical, radiation and surgical oncology to radiology, gynecology, pathology and nursing, our two institutions work together as one, creating a seamless experience for patients while providing top expertise and comprehensive care.
Our board-certified gynecologic surgeons are world leaders in minimally invasive surgical approaches to gynecologic cancers, such as ovarian cancer. We develop a personalized surgical plan for each patient and can offer several treatment options to optimize your care. As leading cancer researchers, we can make recommendations for ovarian cancer treatment based on the very latest research.
In addition to expert diagnosis and treatment, we offer a wealth of supportive resources, including complementary therapies like massage and acupuncture, nutritional counseling and emotional support. Our clinicians and support staff communicate with you and your family every step of the way — partnering with specialists and referring physicians to coordinate your care. We take care of all the details so you can focus on healing.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts growing in the ovaries or in the fallopian tubes near an ovary. Ovaries and fallopian tubes are both part of the reproductive system. The ovaries make eggs, and the fallopian tubes carry them to the uterus.
Each ovary has many layers of cells, made up of three different types. Each of these cell types can grow into ovarian cancer.
Epithelial ovarian cancer
This is the most common type of ovarian cancer. It often grows on the outer surface of the ovary, but it can also start in the fallopian tubes or in the epithelial cells that line the abdomen. Given that most ovarian cancers are epithelial, most of the information on this webpage is based on this type of cancer.
Germ cell ovarian cancer
This type of ovarian cancer starts in the eggs inside the ovary. Germ cell tumors are rare and are most often found in young women in their teens and early twenties. There are several types of germ cell tumors.
Stromal cell cancer
This rare type of ovarian cancer grows in the tissue that makes hormones. While most of these tumors are found in women over age 50, a small number occur in young girls. There are several different kinds of stromal tumors.
