There are several types of ovarian cancer. The most common type develops from the cells of the epithelium, or the surface of the ovary; these cells are epithelial cells. This accounts for about 90 percent of all ovarian cancers. The second kind of tumor starts in the germ cells that form the eggs in the ovary. Germ cell cancers account for 5 percent of ovarian cancers. Stromal cell tumors develop from the tissue that holds the ovary together and produces the female hormones. This type of ovarian cancer accounts for 5 percent of the cases.
The disease is vague in presentation, making detection and diagnosis difficult. In the early stages of disease, there are no symptoms. Symptoms usually do not occur until the cancer spreads.
Depending on the stage of the disease, conventional treatment options for ovarian cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and biological therapy. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause a variety of side effects. Hormone therapy can cause vaginal dryness as well as nausea and vomiting, swelling, weight gain and hot flashes. Most side effects from cancer treatments are temporary and will go away once therapy ends. However, some ovarian cancer therapies may cause kidney damage. This side effect may be prevented by drinking plenty of water.