Making the connection one woman at a time. Ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in the cells that make up the ovaries. There are many types of tumors that can start in the ovaries.
Ovarian cysts are examples of other growths that can occur on the ovaries.
Most ovarian cysts are not cancerous. They are fluid-filled sacs that form on the surface of the ovary. Cysts usually go away without treatment, but a doctor may recommend removal, especially if it seems to be growing, to ensure that they do not become cancerous. NIH Publication No. Many people and many medical textbooks still hold the erroneous opinion that there are no symptoms.