Ovarian Cancer Stages - Top 4

We hear more and more that our friends or family have been diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is a terrible thing to happen to anybody. Ovarian cancer is one particular disease that seems to be on the rise so it is important for the female population to keep their yearly checkups on schedule. There are four stages that ovarian cancer goes through; let's review those ovarian cancer stages.

Stage 1 - The first stage is determining where the cancer is located and it can be in either one or both ovaries at this time. During this stage, the cancer is only located in the ovaries and has not moved elsewhere in the body. As this stage progresses, the cancer can be found in both ovaries and may at this time have moved to the outside and elsewhere in the body.

Stage 2 - This stage verifies if the cancer is found in one or both of the ovaries as well as that the cancer could now be on the outside of the ovaries as well as possibly other organs that are contained within the pelvic area. During this stage, the cancer spreads into the Fallopian tubes and/or the uterus. At the end of this stage, the cancer has spread to the uterus, colon, rectum, bladder, and into the lymph nodes. It is even possible at this point that the cancer can be found in the abdomen area.

Stage 3 - At this point, the cancer is found in one or both of the ovaries and has spread to other parts of the pelvic area. The cancer that can be found in the abdomen area are approximately 2cm or less but in the ovary(ies), the size could be larger than 2cm. Statistics show that most women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer during stage 3.

Stage 4 - This is the most extreme level the cancer reaches and is when the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Surgery is usually performed to remove the cancer before further treatments are prescribed. Every attempt is made during surgery to remove the cancer which can be successful, but if the surgery is not then the patient must undergo chemotherapy treatments.

These stages were developed by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics or FIGO and are standard in assigning the ovarian cancer stages throughout the world.

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Ovarian Cancer Stages: The Four Stages You Need To Be Aware Of

There are four ovarian cancer stages, these stages indicate how far the cancer has spread. Treatment tends to be specific for each stage. To find out what stage your cancer is scans and tests will be needed.

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.

For further information on Ovarian Cancer Stages then please visit my health ezines site for detailed information not only on this disease but many other health related topics.

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