Ovaries are only found in women.  They are part of the female reproductive system and are where ovarian tumors can start to grow. Fortunately, most tumors of the ovary are benign or non-cancerous. However, benign tumors can cause problems in the pelvis by growing large enough to cause pain or pressure symptoms.  Unlike ovarian cancer, they do not spread and are not life threatening. Treatment of benign tumors is usually surgical, by removing all or part of the ovary with a growth or tumor on it. 

The ovaries can also start growing cancerous or malignant tumors.  Ovarian cancer is much more serious since it can spread and, if not treated aggressively, can lead to death.   Treatment  usually starts with surgery, so it is a good idea to review your anatomy in order to understand how this treatment will affect you.

Cartoon View of the Female Reproductive System

There are two ovaries, located on either side of the uterus, deep in the pelvis.  They vary in size depending upon age, but are usually about an inch or two during reproductive years and can shrink to the size of a peanut in post-menopausal years.  They exist to produce hormones (estrogen and progesterone mainly) and eggs for reproduction.

 Ovarian cancer usually starts on the surface of the ovary (epithelial), but can also arise from internal cells that make hormones  and support and nurture the eggs in the ovary (germ cell and stromal).  If the ovaries have to be removed during premenopasual years this causes infertility, or unability to bear children from your own eggs. Often the uterus is removed as part of ovarian cancer surgery, in which case it is not possible to bear children even with donated eggs. In addition to this, removal of the ovaries during reproductive age will cause a sharp drop in estrogen levels and resulting symptoms of hot flashes and sweats. 

Side View of the Female Reproductive System

Microscopic Structure of the Ovary

This cartoon picture shows the anatomy of an ovary as well at the normal cycle of producing eggs and ovulation, moving left to right.

This is a laparoscopic or "minimally invasive" view of the pelvis, using small telescopic instruments and cameras. The top of the picture is pointed to the front, and the uterus is the reddish structure in the middle.  The urinary bladder is located just in front of the uterus.  The ovaries are white, have some normal bluish purple follicles developing, and the Fallopian Tubes are the reddish tubular structures draping over the ovaries. Finally, the space behind the uterus is called the "cul de sac" and the rectum is located at the bottom of this picture. 

What does ovarian cancer look like?  When it first starts growing in the ovary and spreading locally in the pelvis it may not be detectable by examination.  Compare the picture above with the one below.  The normal white ovarian area is still visible, but the pink tan material growing on the ovary is ovarian cancer.