Ovarian Cancer Overview

Ovarian cancer is the growth of malignant or cancerous cells in the ovaries. The ovaries are small, almond-shaped organs on each side of a woman’s uterus. They store eggs and produce hormones.

Ovarian cancer is hard to detect in the early stages, when it is most treatable. Women typically develop ovarian cancer after menopause. We find half of these cases in women older than 63.

The three main types of ovarian cancer are:

• Epithelial ovarian carcinoma: The most common type of ovarian cancer. These tumors begin in the cells that cover the ovary's outer surface.
• Germ cell carcinoma: These tumors start in the cells that produce the eggs.
• Stromal carcinoma: The least common ovarian cancer. These tumors grow in the connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and make female hormones.

Why You Should Choose The University of Kansas Cancer Center

Experience
If you have ovarian cancer, you will find the leading specialists you need at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Our interdisciplinary team of board-certified doctors are gynecologists, surgeons and oncologists. They have years of experience treating hundreds of patients with ovarian cancer. Other local doctors often refer patients to these specialists.

Academic Approach
Because we are an academic center, we offer some of the region's most advanced cancer treatments. We are constantly finding new treatments to improve lives. We use state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects. We also use the latest findings in cancer research.

Community
Our staff also are accustomed to working with community health care providers. In many cases, you can receive some of your treatment near your own home in coordination with the staff at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

Care Coordination
Each person is unique, so we tailor your care to your personal needs. This means doctors, nurses and other staff work closely together to develop the treatment plan that best fits your needs. They discuss every patient’s treatment as a team to stay up to date on your care and progress.

Clinical Trials
We are part of many national clinical trials on cancer treatment. So, you benefit from our staff’s exposure to the latest options. You also may be able to take part in a clinical trial for ovarian cancer during your treatment.

To Make an Appointment:
913.588.1227
Toll free 800.332.6048

Referring Physicians:
913.588.5862
Toll free 877.588.5862