Ovarian Cancer Stages

There are four main ovarian cancer stages which are stages I to IV. Within these four stages are substages. The stages are determined due to the location and size of the cancer cells and tumor(s). Among other criteria such as age, there are stark differences in survival rates depending on the ovarian cancer stage, so the earlier ovarian cancer is detected, the better is the prognosis.

Stage I

• Stage I is the earliest stage of ovarian cancer. In stage I, the ovarian cancer cells are within one or both of the ovaries.

Stage II

• Besides being within one or both of the ovaries, in stage II, the ovarian cancer is also found in organs within the pelvis such as the bladder, rectum, uterus, fallopian tubes or the sigmoid colon.

Stage III

• In stage III ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer cells are found in one or both ovaries. In addition, the cancer has spread beyond the organs of the pelvis into the abdominal lining or the cancer is found in the lymph nodes.

Stage IV

• Stage IV ovarian cancer is the last stage. Here, the cancer is found in the lungs, liver or any other organs beyond the peritoneal cavity. At this stage, ovarian cancer cells may also be found in the fluid in the lungs.

Survival Rates by Stage

• The survival rates vary greatly by stage. According to the American Cancer Society, stage I has a 5-year survival rate of 84.7 to 92.7 percent, while stage II has a 5-year survival rate of 64.4 percent to 78.6 percent. Stage III has a survival rate of 31.5 to 50.8 percent, while stage IV has a survival rate of 17.5 percent.