OVARIAN CANCER STAGE
Categories: Uncategorized | November 29th, 2007 | by admin | no comments
An ovarian cancer stage is determined by how far the disease has spread throughout the body and if it has spread at all. There are four ovarian cancer stages that are broken down even further.
Ovarian cancer stage I is limited to one of the ovaries or both of the ovaries. This stage is broken down into three categories; IA, IB, IC. IA means the cancer is contained to one ovary, no malignant cells or peritoneal washings. IB includes both of the ovaries, no tumor on the ovarian surface, an negative washings. IC means that the tumor is limited to both of the ovaries but also has one of the following conditions met, capsule ruptured, tumor on the ovarian surface, or positive washings.
Ovarian cancer stage II means there is pelvic extension or implants and this stage is also broken down into three parts; IIA, IIB, IIC. IIA means that there is extension of the tumor or implants to the uterus or fallopian tubes; and is negative for washings. IIB means it is negative washings and there is extension onto another pelvic structure other than the fallopian tubes and uterus. IIC includes extension and is positive for washings.
Stage III of ovarian cancer is split up into three groups also, IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. This is when the cancer has spread outside of the pelvic area with extension of the small bowel or omentum. IIIA means there is microscopic cancer found outside of the pelvic area. IIIB means that it is beyond the pelvis and is less than 2 cm in size. IIIC means that the cancer is greater than 2 cm in size and spread to lymph nodes. In stage IIIC, it is common to see the cancer in lymph nodes surrounding the heart.
Ovarian cancer stage IV means that the cancer is now distant throughout the body, in most cases the liver. At this stage the cancer is most likely not treatable.
An ovarian cancer stage depends on how far the tumor or disease has spread from the pelvic area, if it has at all. If it hasn’t, chances are good the ovaries can be removed and a woman will be fine.
Related Links:
Ovarian Cancer Prognosis
Ovarian Cancer Symptom