What Are the Stages of Ovarian Cancer?

The stages of ovarian cancer are determined by the extent of the cancer's spread within the body. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system is commonly used to classify ovarian cancer into four stages:

Stage I:

- The cancer is confined to one or both ovaries.

- The cancer may have spread to the fallopian tubes or the surface of the ovaries.

Stage II:

- The cancer has spread to the uterus or other pelvic organs, such as the cervix, vagina, or rectum.

- The cancer may have also spread to the lymph nodes in the pelvis.

Stage III:

- The cancer has spread to the abdominal cavity, including the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the omentum (a fatty apron that hangs from the stomach).

- The cancer may have also spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen or pelvis.

Stage IV:

- The cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the lungs, liver, or brain.

- Stage IV ovarian cancer is considered advanced and has a poorer prognosis compared to earlier stages.

Some ovarian cancers may also be classified as "borderline" or "low malignant potential" tumors. These tumors have features of both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors. Borderline tumors are typically associated with a better prognosis than invasive ovarian cancers.

It's important to note that the stage of ovarian cancer is determined at the time of diagnosis and may change as the disease progresses. The stage of the cancer is a key factor in determining the appropriate treatment options and prognosis for ovarian cancer.