Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
Ovarian cancer is a malignant growth originating in the ovaries, most commonly referred to by its standard medical name, though it is occasionally historicaly or colloquially described as "ovarian carcinoma" or "ovarian malignancy." While there are no widely used alternative medical synonyms, the condition is frequently classified by its specific histological subtype, such as epithelial ovarian cancer, which accounts for approximately 90% of all cases. Why does ovarian cancer have different names and classifications? In medical literature, ovarian cancer is often categorized by the type of cell from which the tumor arises. While the term ovarian cancer is the accepted clinical standard, you may encounter terms like "ovarian neoplasm" in older pathology reports.
Ovarian cancer synonyms
Other names for Ovarian cancer: synonyms, acronyms and related terms used by doctors and patients.
Ovarian cancer is a malignant growth originating in the ovaries, most commonly referred to by its standard medical name, though it is occasionally historicaly or colloquially described as "ovarian carcinoma" or "ovarian malignancy." While there are no widely used alternative medical synonyms, the condition is frequently classified by its specific histological subtype, such as epithelial ovarian cancer, which accounts for approximately 90% of all cases.
Why does ovarian cancer have different names and classifications?
In medical literature, ovarian cancer is often categorized by the type of cell from which the tumor arises. While the term ovarian cancer is the accepted clinical standard, you may encounter terms like "ovarian neoplasm" in older pathology reports. The reason for these varying descriptions is that ovarian cancer is not a single disease, but a group of distinct diseases categorized by their origin: epithelial, germ cell, or sex cord-stromal tumors.
What are the official medical classifications for ovarian cancer?
Medical professionals and global health organizations use standardized coding systems to identify ovarian cancer for research and insurance purposes. These include:
- ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases): Categorized under code C56, identifying malignant neoplasms of the ovary.
- Orphanet: Lists specific subtypes, such as "Epithelial ovarian cancer" (ORPHA:166072).
- OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man): Tracks the genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer, often linked to BRCA1 (OMIM: 113705) and BRCA2 (OMIM: 600185) mutations.
Which terminology is preferred by clinicians?
Today, oncologists and gynecological surgeons prefer the term ovarian cancer, supplemented by the specific histological subtype and grade (e.g., "high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma"). Using the precise histological diagnosis is essential for determining the most effective treatment pathway, as different forms of ovarian cancer respond differently to chemotherapy and targeted therapies.
Next steps
- Consult with a gynecologic oncologist to discuss your specific pathology report and histological subtype.
- Connect with the 60 members of the DiseaseMaps.org community who are living with ovarian cancer to share experiences.
- Request genetic counseling if you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Orphanet: Rare Disease Database
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) Physician Data Query (PDQ)
- OMIM: Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
