Ovarian Cancer (cont.)
Staging
To plan the best treatment, your doctor needs to know the grade of the
tumor (see Diagnosis) and the extent (stage) of the disease. The stage is
based on whether the tumor has invaded nearby tissues, whether the cancer
has spread, and if so, to what parts of the body.
Usually, surgery is needed before staging can be complete. The surgeon takes
many samples of tissue from the pelvis and abdomen to look for cancer.
Your doctor may order tests to find out whether the cancer has spread:
- CT scan: Doctors often use CT scans to make pictures of organs and tissues in
the pelvis or abdomen. An x-ray machine linked to a computer takes several
pictures. You may receive contrast material by mouth and by injection into your
arm or hand. The contrast material helps the organs or tissues show up more
clearly. Abdominal fluid or a tumor may show up on the CT scan.
- Chest x-ray: X-rays of the chest can show tumors or fluid.
- Barium enema x-ray: Your doctor may order a series of x-rays of the lower
intestine. You are given an enema with a barium solution. The barium outlines
the intestine on the x-rays. Areas blocked by cancer may show up on the x-rays.
- Colonoscopy: Your doctor inserts a long, lighted tube into the rectum and
colon. This exam can help tell if cancer has spread to the colon or rectum.
These are the stages of ovarian cancer:
- Stage I: Cancer cells are found in one or both ovaries. Cancer cells
may be found on the surface of the ovaries or in fluid collected from the
abdomen.
- Stage II: Cancer cells have spread from one or both ovaries to other
tissues in the pelvis. Cancer cells are found on the fallopian tubes, the
uterus, or other tissues in the pelvis. Cancer cells may be found in fluid
collected from the abdomen.
- Stage III: Cancer cells have spread to tissues outside the pelvis or
to the regional lymph nodes. Cancer cells may be found on the outside of the
liver.
- Stage IV: Cancer cells have spread to tissues outside the abdomen and
pelvis. Cancer cells may be found inside the liver, in the lungs, or in other
organs.
Next: What is the treatment for ovarian cancer? »
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