Ovarian Cancer Subtypes
High-Grade Serous Carcinoma
High-grade serous carcinomas (HGSC) are the most prevalent subtype. They are also associated with the worst prognosis. Approximately 80% of HGSC contain TP53 mutations and result in high levels of proliferation. BRCA1/2 are common in hereditary HGSC patients.
Clear-Cell Carcinoma
Clear-cell carcinomas are believed to arise from endometriosis in ovaries similar to endometroid carcinomas. Clear-cell carcinomas differ in that they are characterized by somatic mutations in the ARID1A tumour-suppressor gene.
Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma
Low-grade serous carcinomas (LGSC) are very rare and are characterized by low quantities of genetic mutations resulting in the slow development from precursors.
Mucinous Carcinoma
Mucinous carcinomas have an increased frequency of KRAS mutations. They are believed to develop in a step-wise fashion from mucinous cystadenomas and mucinous borderline tumours (MBT).
Endometroid Carcinoma
Endometroid Carcinomas arise during endometriosis in the ovaries, often occurring as atypical endometriosis. The presence of endometriotic cysts induce persistent oxidative stress.
Further Information
For more information check out the Canadian Cancer Society website or cancer.ca/statistics to access the Canadian Cancer Statistics 2021 information
An estimated 3000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Canada annually
Diagnosis
Patients with ovarian cancer have a 44% 5-year survival rate
Survival
Sadly, an estimated 1,950 women will die of ovarian cancer per year in Canada
Mortality
Canadian Cancer Statistics 2021