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Stages of Ovarian Cancer and Their Meaning

At this point in time, there are four stages which are recognized in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer:

1. Stage I ovarian cancer refers to the presence of cancerous cells in the ovaries either unilaterally or bilaterally. A biopsy will identify these cells and their presence points to the distinct possibility of future tumor formation.

2. Stage II ovarian cancer is more serious. At this point the cancerous cells which have been identified are no longer confined to the affected ovary but instead have begun to spread to surrounding tissues in the near vicinity. This may lead to the possibility of tumor formation in the vulva, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and potentially also the cervix.

3. Stage III ovarian cancer points toward metastasizing that now sees cancer cells which have spread to systemic regions not associated with the reproductive organs but instead may refer to the presence of cancerous cells on the outside of the liver as well as the lymph nodes.

4. Stave IV cancer is the final staging and it is the sad reality of a cancer that may have started out in the ovaries but since then has spread to various organs, including inside the liver, lungs, and any tissue.

Within stages I through III there are three distinct sub-stages each, with their own veritable subtle differences. This helps physicians to ascertain the spread of the disease as well as the process of remission or recurrence. Although in itself academic and not of much value for the layperson, to a professional these sub-stages provide a most distinct methodology of measuring and pinpointing the actual cancer activity; though not necessarily standardized in appearance, it is vital for the patient to discuss the individual use of the sub stages to gain a complete understanding of their ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is unfortunately usually not detected until it is either in Stage III or Stage IV. This increases the likelihood of drastic treatment methods in an effort to curtail the further spread of cancerous cells while at the same time it also leads to the possibility of further indicated treatments, depending on the spread of the disease. For example, a patient undergoing a biopsy of the ovaries may also find that they will need to undergo a biopsy of the liver or a sampling of blood and other tissues in order to check for cancerous cell growth in that general area.

To this end it is crucial that women experiencing some of the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer - abdominal tenderness and bloating, frequent urination, inability to eat as much, and also occasional cramping outside of normal menstrual cramps - immediately seek out the help of their gynecologist or physician. Even though it may be little more than an occasion at crying wolf, it is better to have a quick transvaginal ultrasound taken and be assured that the ovaries are in good shape than worry or potentially allow a lethal disease to grow and spread unchecked. Caught early, patients with ovarian cancer have an excellent chance at survival.