Growth and spread
Epithelial tumorsThe tumors that originate from the surface cells (epithelia) of the ovaries (ovaries) are distinguished by their cell type. One differentiates between serous, mucinous, endometroid, small cell, light cell tumors and so-called burner tumors. Serous tumors are the most frequent malignant changes among epithelial tumors.
They present as fluid-filled cysts (cavities) and often occur on both ovaries (ovaries). In an early stage they are often not recognized. The cancer cells quickly settle (metastasize) via the lymphatic and bloodstream into other organs.
Mucinous tumors originate from mucus-forming cells. They are malignant to 10%. While endometroid, light-cell and small-cell tumors are among the most aggressive tumors with a poor prognosis, burner tumors are benign (benign) in about 95% and have a good prognosis.
Tumor cells from epithelial tumors can settle (metastasize) in other organs in three different ways. In the majority of cases, the tumor cells detach from the surface of the ovary (ovary) and then settle (implant) on the peritoneum, thus often leading to peritoneal cancer. Another way in which the cancer cells settle is via the lymph (lymphogenic metastasis).
Lymph nodes that are affected are located along the main artery (aorta) and in the pelvis (pelvis). The bloodstream is another way for cancer cells to reach other organs and settle there (hematogenic metastasis). Tumors developing from ovarian tissue are divided into about 50% of these tumors form steroids.
Which steroids are produced depends on the type of tumor.
- Granulosa cell tumors
- Thekazell tumors and
- Androblastoma.
Granulosa cell tumors, which are malignant to about 30%, originate from granulosa cells of the ovary. In these cells of the ovary, oestrogens are normally produced in a cycle-dependent manner. If a tumor develops from these cells, it also produces estrogens in half of the cases.
However, this is no longer cycle-dependent, but permanent, so that too many estrogens are present in the body (hyperestrogenism). This excessive supply of estrogens in the body naturally also has effects on the organism. Due to the estrogens, the mucous membrane of the uterus (endometrium) begins to grow (proliferate).
This leads to a thickening of the uterine mucosa (glandular – cystic hyperplasia). This results in bleeding disorders, which can be a first indication of ovarian cancer. The thickening of the uterine mucosa can eventually develop into uterine cancer (endometrial carcinoma) if it persists for a long time.
Thecacell tumors are almost all benign and also produce estrogens. Androgens, i.e. male sex hormones, and more rarely estrogens are also produced by the androblastoma. However, androblastoma is usually also a benign tumor, which occurs mainly in young women.
The androgens formed lead to masculinization (androgenization) in women. This means that a male type of hair appears in women (hirsutism), the voice becomes deeper, the larynx larger and the body assumes male proportions. In addition, there is an enlargement of the clitoris (clitoral hypertrophy), which is the female equivalent of the penis.
Germ cell tumors originate from cells of the embryonic development (body fruit development). About 95% of them are benign. The 5% malignant germ cell tumors occur almost exclusively in children and adolescents.
All these germ cell tumors have in common that tumor cells are metastasized at a very early stage via the bloodstream (hematogenic) or lymph (lymphogenic) to other organs. Preferred organs for cell metastasis are the lung (pulmo) and liver (hepar).
- Dysgerminomas
- Malignant teratomas
- Endometrial sinus tumors and
- Chorionic carcinomas.
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