What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer starts when cells grow out of control in the ovaries or nearby tissue. The ovaries are two small organs that make eggs and hormones. Doctors now know many of these cancers start in the fallopian tubes. These are the thin tubes that carry eggs to the uterus. Some start in the peritoneum, the thin lining inside the belly. These three cancers act alike and are treated the same way.

When should I call my care team?

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills; Belly swelling with nausea or vomiting, and you cannot pass gas or stool; Vomiting that will not stop, or not able to keep fluids down for a day; New or severe belly pain; Shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing blood; Swelling, pain, or redness in one leg; Heavy vaginal bleeding; Redness, pus, or opening of your surgery wound; Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with belly pain or blood; Sudden eye pain or blurry vision on mirvetuximab; Severe headache or very high blood pressure on bevacizumab; If it feels very bad, call 911.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is serious, but surgery, chemotherapy, and newer maintenance medicines help many people live longer and better.

Hi, I'm Rosa. Today we'll go through ovarian cancer together, one step at a time. I'll keep it simple, and you can pause me, go back, or skip ahead whenever you like. Just so you know, this is for learning only. It is not medical advice, so please check everything with your own doctor and care team. Okay, let's get started.

What ovarian cancer is

Let's start with the basics. The ovaries are two small organs. They make eggs and hormones. Ovarian cancer starts when cells there grow out of control. Many of these cancers start in the fallopian tubes. Some start in the thin lining inside the belly. These cancers act alike and are treated the same way. Early on, signs can be vague. Think bloating, belly pain, or feeling full fast. Family history matters too. Treatment has improved. Your care team will explain what this means for you.

The main types

Let's talk briefly about the types. High grade serous carcinoma is the most common. It often starts in the fallopian tube. Low grade serous carcinoma tends to grow slowly. Endometrioid and clear cell carcinoma are often found earlier. Mucinous carcinoma is a rare type. Borderline tumors are not fully cancer. They rarely spread. Germ cell tumors often affect teens and young adults. They usually respond very well to treatment. Your care team will tell you which type you have.

Tests you may have

Now let's talk about tests. A pelvic exam checks for a lump or swelling. An ultrasound uses sound waves to make pictures of the ovaries. A CT scan shows where the cancer is. A blood test checks a protein that is often high in this cancer. It helps track treatment. A biopsy or surgery is the only way to know for sure. A thin camera in the belly can show how far it has spread. Gene tests look for inherited changes and changes in the tumor.

What the stage means

Next up, let's talk about stages. The stage tells how far the cancer has spread. It is usually set during surgery. The surgeon looks inside the belly and takes samples. Why do doctors use stages? They help your care team plan treatment. They also help everyone talk the same language. Ovarian cancer uses stages 1 to 4. Lower numbers mean the cancer has not spread as far. Your doctor will explain what your stage means for you.

Markers and gene tests

Before we move to treatment, there are some things to know. Gene tests on your blood and tumor can change your treatment. They also help pick a medicine to take after chemotherapy. There are different markers. Each one has a different role. Some show inherited gene changes. These results can matter for your family too. Your doctor will tell you which markers you have. They will also explain what they mean. You can read more in the guide. The Questions to ask page can help too.

Main treatment options

Now let's look at treatment. Surgery removes as much cancer as possible. A surgeon who treats these cancers should do it. Some early cancers can be treated in a way that keeps fertility. Chemotherapy is the main medicine treatment. It may be given before or after surgery. One medicine blocks blood vessels that feed the tumor. Pills taken after chemotherapy can help keep the cancer away longer. Clinical trials are research studies that may offer new options. Ask your care team.

Side effects and what helps

Let's talk about side effects. Feeling very tired is common. Short walks and rest can help. Nausea medicines work well. Treatment can lower your blood counts. Call right away if you have a fever. Some chemotherapy causes numbness in the hands and feet. Tell your team early. Hair loss is common, and hair usually grows back. Healing from surgery takes weeks. Removing the ovaries can bring sudden menopause. We have a whole side effects guide on this site.

Living well with it

Last, let's talk about living well. You will have regular visits after treatment. Ovarian cancer often comes back. If it does, there are many treatments. Early menopause can affect your bones, mood, and sex life. Ask your team about it. If you have an inherited gene change, your family can get tested. Support groups and counselors can help. Call right away for a fever. Also call for belly swelling when you cannot pass gas or stool. Call for vomiting that will not stop. If it feels very bad, call 911. Also see our new Screening, prevention and survivorship section.

You did great today. That was a lot, and you took it one step at a time. Write down your questions and bring them to your next visit. Call your care team any time something worries you. You are not alone in this.

Call your care team right away if you have

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills
Belly swelling with nausea or vomiting, and you cannot pass gas or stool
Vomiting that will not stop, or not able to keep fluids down for a day
New or severe belly pain
Shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing blood
Swelling, pain, or redness in one leg
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Redness, pus, or opening of your surgery wound
Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with belly pain or blood
Sudden eye pain or blurry vision on mirvetuximab
Severe headache or very high blood pressure on bevacizumab
If it feels very bad, call 911.

Side effects: what helps

Sources

Quick answers

What is ovarian cancer?: Ovarian cancer starts when cells grow out of control in the ovaries or nearby tissue. The ovaries are two small organs that make eggs and hormones. Doctors now know many of these cancers start in the fallopian tubes. These are the thin tubes that carry eggs to the uterus. Some start in the peritoneum, the thin lining inside the belly. These three cancers act alike and are treated the same way.
When should I call my care team?: Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills; Belly swelling with nausea or vomiting, and you cannot pass gas or stool; Vomiting that will not stop, or not able to keep fluids down for a day; New or severe belly pain; Shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing blood; Swelling, pain, or redness in one leg; Heavy vaginal bleeding; Redness, pus, or opening of your surgery wound; Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea with belly pain or blood; Sudden eye pain or blurry vision on mirvetuximab; Severe headache or very high blood pressure on bevacizumab; If it feels very bad, call 911.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.