The 4 stages of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is classified into four stages, with stage 4 being the most advanced.

• Stage 1 - the cancer is confined to one or both ovaries. This is subdivided into three groups:
  
  
  • Stage 1a - the cancer is confined to just one ovary (contained inside it).
  • Stage 1b - the cancer is confined to both ovaries (contained inside them).
  • Stage 1c - either 1a or 1b, but there is come cancer on the surface of one or both ovaries, cancer cells are found in fluid extracted from inside the abdomen during surgery, or the ovary bursts during or before surgery.


• Stage 2 - the cancer has spread to the uterus, fallopian tubes or some other areas in the pelvis (tummy area). This is subdivided into 3 groups:
  
  
  • 2a - the cancer has spread into the uterus (womb) or the fallopian tubes.
  • 2b - the cancer has spread into other tissues in the pelvis, such as the rectum or bladder.
  • 2c - 2a and 2b, and there is cancer on the surface of one or both ovaries, or cancer cells are identified in fluid extracted from inside the abdomen during surgery, or the ovary bursts during or before surgery.


• Stage 3 - the cancer has spread into the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen), or to the lymph nodes in the upper abdomen, groin or behind the uterus. Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed at this stage. This stage is divided into three subgroups:
  
  
  • 3a - an examination with a microscope of tissue taken from the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) or the omentum (fatty layer over the top of the intestines) detects cancer cells.
  • 3b - tumor growths are identified in the peritoneum 2cm or smaller.
  • 3c - tumor growths larger than 2cm are identified in the peritoneum. Cancer is found in the lymph nodes in the groin, behind the womb or the upper abdomen.


• Stage 4 - the cancer has spread beyond the abdomen to other parts of the body, including such organs as the lungs or the liver. If cancer is just found on the surface of the liver, but not inside it, it is still stage 3.