Ovarian Cancer Staging

Staging ovarian cancer is an important step in determining how to treat it.

Doctors often determine the cancer’s stage through surgical procedures, unless the cancer is obviously widespread. There are four different stages in ovarian cancer.

Stage 1: The cancer is confined to one or both ovaries.

Stage 2: The cancer is in one or both ovaries and is extending into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic tissue.

Stage 3: The cancer is in one or both ovaries and has spread outside the pelvic tissue and into the abdominal tissue.

Stage 4: The cancer is in one or both ovaries and has spread outside the pelvic and abdomen into other organs or areas of the body.

Source: American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org)