The ovarian cancer stages are;

This stage is where the cancer is confined to the inside of the ovaries, or on the surface of the ovaries.

This stage is where the cancer has spread to the outside of the ovaries, but is still within the boundaries of the pelvis.

This stage is where the cancer has spread to outside the area of the pelvis, the abdomen or the back of the womb or groin area.

This stage occurs when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, this could be the lungs or liver. If this is the case but the cancer is only on the surface of the affected area then you will still be classed as stage 3.

It is crucial to discover what stage you are at as treatments will differ for each stage, upon diagnosis of ovarian cancer, your doctor will refer you to have the adequate tests. When the stage has been identified treatment will either be started or changed to suit your needs.

This process of staging was put in place by the International federation of gynecological oncologists, hence it being known as FIGO.

Each stage of ovarian cancer is split into 3 categories, these are a, b and c.

Stage 1.

A this means the cancer is found only inside one of the ovaries.
B this means the cancer is found inside both of the ovaries.
C this means that the cancer is affecting both ovaries and the ovary surface.

Stage 2.

A this means that cancer has been found in either the womb or fallopian tubes.
B this indicates that the cancer has spread areas within the pelvis.
C this means that cancer has been found to affect all areas of the pelvis and the abdomen area.

Stage 3.

A cancer cells are now found in tissue from the abdomen lining.
B tumors can now be found on the abdomen lining, these can be up to 3 cm in size.
C large tumors may now be found on the abdomen lining, groin area or at the back of the womb.

Stage 4 has no categories, this is because cancer has been found to be affecting other parts of the body.

Regardless of what stage you are at, there are some organizations which help you deal with your condition. Not only can they give you support, they can also provide you with advice on a range of things such as benefits, adaptations, or counseling.

Ovarian cancer stages should be properly identified, this is so the treatment can be altered to suit. Knowing which ovarian cancer stage you are at means that you get the most effective treatment available, if when you go for a check-up the cancer has spread to the next stage your treatment will be changed.

By Marcus Maloney