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Ovarian, Cervical, and Endometrial Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
The type of cancer where the cells in the ovaries, two almond-sized female reproductive organs that produce eggs and female hormones (estrogen and progesterone), multiply and grow out of control is called ovarian cancer. When the genes in the cells of the ovaries no longer work properly, the cells divide uncontrollably and form a tumor. Ovarian cancer is the second most common cancer seen in women, and one in seventy women is at risk of developing it. One in ten women with ovarian cancer also has a positive family history or a genetic mutation that increases their risk. Genetic tests at MSK can help identify such women at risk.
All ovarian cancer patients are different, and all of them need a customized treatment plan according to the type of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer has more than 30 different types, and they are named based on the ovarian cell they develop from. The common types include:
- Ovarian Epithelial Cancer - These tumors originate in the epithelial cells that line the outer surface of the ovaries. This type accounts for 85 to 90 % of all ovarian cancers.
- Germ Cell Tumors - Tumors can also form from the egg-producing cells of the ovaries, and most of these growths are benign.
- Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors - This type accounts for about 1 % of ovarian cancers. These tumors develop from the stroma tissue cells (the cells that produce female hormones - estrogen and progesterone).
The main treatment option is surgery for both early and advanced ovarian cancer. The type of surgery will be decided based on the cancer type and stage, the patient’s general health, and if the patient plans on having children in the future. MSK experts suggest chemotherapy after surgery to prevent a recurrence.
Cervical Cancer
The type of cancer that originates in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The majority of this cancer (almost 90 %) results from sexually transmitted infections with various strains of human papillomavirus strains (HPV). Once infected, the virus survives for years in some women and changes the tissue lining the cervix. This is called dysplasia or precancer, which can lead to cancer if not treated. It is a slow-growing tumor, and before the actual cancerous transformation occurs, dysplastic cells can be removed, and cancer can be prevented.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) - The squamous cells (thin and flat cells) present in the lowermost part of the cervix divide uncontrollably and form this type of cervical cancer. Almost 70 % of all cervical cancer is SCC.
- Adenocarcinoma - It is the second most common type and accounts for 20 % of cancer in the cervix. The glandular cells (column-shaped) that line the cervix and produce mucus undergo cancerous transformation.
- Adenosquamous Carcinoma - It is a mix of both squamous and glandular cancer cells. It is rare and is seen in only 5 to 6 % of cervical cancer cases.
The main treatment option is surgery for both early and advanced ovarian cancer. The type of surgery will be decided based on the cancer type and stage, the patient’s general health, and if the patient plans on having children in the future. MSK experts suggest chemotherapy after surgery to prevent a recurrence.
Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer
Uterine or endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus (the inverted-pear-shaped hollow female reproductive organ). Women who have been diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia, those who are obese, had their menarche before 12 years and menopause after 55 years, etc., are at risk of this cancer.
- Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma - Cancer develops in the glandular cells that line the uterus. Almost 75 % of all uterine cancers are this type.
- Serous Adenocarcinoma - This type most commonly spreads to lymph nodes and other areas of the body. Around 10 % of women diagnosed with uterine cancer have this type.
- Adenosquamous Carcinoma - This is a rare type of uterine cancer that affects the glandular cells and the flat squamous cells that line the uterus.
- Carcinosarcoma - This is also a rare type that was thought to be a type of uterine sarcoma. They have a higher risk of spreading to other body parts and lymph nodes.
MSK experts determine the type of uterine cancer and its stage through biopsy and other tests. Depending on the results, the doctor might suggest surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of therapies. Patients can also benefit from the thousands of clinical trials ongoing at MSK that explore new therapies.
