What should you know about stage 1A ovarian cancer?

The stage is based on where cancer was found during examination, imaging and surgery, together with fluid or tissue sampling when performed. Pathology identifies the ovarian cancer type and grade, which can change the recommended treatment even when the anatomic stage is the same.

A pelvic ultrasound can help evaluate pelvic structures, but it cannot by itself confirm the final stage. The surgical report and pathology review are central to understanding whether the cancer is limited as expected.

Discuss whether an oophorectomy, sometimes with assessment of nearby tissues and lymph nodes, is appropriate. Some people with carefully selected, lower-risk findings may have surgery alone; others may be advised to have chemotherapy after surgery.

Ask whether genomic tumour profiling or BRCA genetic testing could affect treatment or family counselling. Treatment choices may include fertility, hormonal and inherited-risk considerations. Palliative care can support symptoms and wellbeing at any stage, alongside cancer-directed care.

After surgery, contact the team for fever, increasing abdominal pain, wound redness or drainage, persistent vomiting, inability to pass urine, or new shortness of breath. Before or after treatment, report increasing abdominal swelling, severe pelvic pain, or difficulty eating and drinking.

What did the surgical staging and pathology show? Can fertility-sparing surgery be considered? Do I need chemotherapy? Should I have BRCA testing or tumour profiling? What symptoms after surgery require urgent review?