Stages and grades of ovarian cancer

Ovarian Cancer Stages and Grades

The stages of ovarian cancer describe how far the cancer has spread in the body (from Stage 1 to Stage 4). The grades of ovarian cancer describe how abnormal the cancer cells look and how quickly they are expected to grow (Grade 1 to Grade 3). Both stage and grade are used together to determine the most effective treatment plan and forecast prognosis

Key takeaways:

• Stages are measured 1-4
• Grades are measured 1-3

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed in one of four stages. The stage tells us how big the cancer is and how far it has spread in the body. Higher stages mean the cancer has spread more.

Stage 1 means the cancer is only in one or both ovaries. It hasn’t spread yet, and surgery is usually the main treatment.

What is stage 1A ovarian cancer?

Cancer is in one ovary or fallopian tube.

What is stage 1B ovarian cancer?

Cancer is in both ovaries or fallopian tubes.

What is stage 1C ovarian cancer?

Cancer is in one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes and:

• 1C1: Burst during surgery.
• 1C2: Burst before surgery or on the surface.
• 1C3: Cancer cells are in the fluid around the tummy or pelvis.

Stage 2 Ovarian Cancer

Stage 2 means the cancer has spread to other parts of the pelvic area, like the womb, bladder, or bowel. Treatment usually includes surgery and chemotherapy.

What is stage 2A ovarian cancer?

Cancer has spread to the fallopian tubes or womb.

What is stage 2B ovarian cancer?

Cancer has spread to other pelvic organs like the rectum or bladder.

Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer

Stage 3 means the cancer has spread beyond the pelvic area into the abdomen or lymph nodes. Treatment includes surgery and chemotherapy.

There are three groups of stage three ovarian cancer: 3A, 3B and 3C.

• Stage 3A1 means that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the back of your abdomen (these are called retroperitoneal lymph nodes). This is then split further into two categories:
  • 3A1(i) This means that the cancer in the lymph nodes is smaller than 1cm in size
  • 3A1(ii) This means the cancer in the lymph nodes is larger than 1cm in size
• Stage 3A2 means that there are cancer cells in the peritoneum. It might also be in your lymph nodes

Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer

Stage 4 means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, like the brain, liver, or lungs. Treatment includes surgery and chemotherapy.

Stage 4 can also be divided into two groups:

• Stage 4a means that the cancer has caused a buildup of fluid in the lining of the lungs
• Stage 4b means the cancer has spread outside the tummy (abdomen), which can include organs such as the liver, lungs, spleen and more.

Grades of Ovarian Cancer

Cancer grades indicate how quickly the cancer may grow and spread. Higher grades mean the cancer cells look more abnormal and grow faster.

Grade 1 (Low Grade)

Cancer cells look similar to normal cells and grow slowly.

Grade 2 (Moderate Grade)

Cancer cells look more abnormal and grow faster than grade 1.

Grade 3 (High Grade)

Cancer cells look very abnormal and grow quickly. This is the most aggressive grade.

Understanding your cancer stage and grade helps doctors plan the best treatment for you.

Finding guidance and support

You can find local support groups here https://ovarian.org.uk/hereditary-cancer-and-risk/where-can-i-find-support/. For more practical support and advice, visit https://ovarian.org.uk/ovarian-cancer/living-with-ovarian-cancer/practical-support-and-advice/.

FAQ’s:

How quickly does ovarian cancer change stages?

Ovarian cancer can progress very differently depending on the type and the individual. Some forms develop slowly over many years, while others can grow and spread much more quickly, sometimes within months.

What is FIGO staging?

Figo stands for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. FIGO staging is the staging system for ovarian cancer and classifies its spread into four main stages (I-IV) and substages (A, B, C).

Is there stage 5 ovarian cancer?

No there is is not stage five of ovarian cancer. Stages are measured 1-4 and grades are measured 1-3.