What should you know about stages of ovarian cancer?

Staging uses examination, imaging, surgery and laboratory analysis to map the cancer. Earlier stages are confined to an ovary or ovaries. Nearby pelvic tissues or lymph nodes indicate more extensive local spread, while deposits elsewhere in the abdomen or distant organs indicate advanced disease. The final stage may only be clear after tissue is examined.

Stage is one part of the picture. Tumour type, grade, symptoms, general health and genomic findings can also influence the treatment discussion. A pelvic ultrasound may help investigate an ovarian mass, while genomic tumour profiling may identify features relevant to treatment choices.

Ask which tests are complete and which are still needed before treatment starts. Surgery may remove an ovary, both ovaries or visible tumour, depending on the plan. Debulking surgery aims to remove as much visible cancer as possible, and chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery. BRCA genetic testing can have implications for relatives as well as treatment planning.

Call your care team promptly for worsening abdominal swelling, persistent vomiting, inability to pass urine or stool, new breathlessness, fever, severe pain or confusion. These symptoms can have several causes, but they need assessment. Palliative care can be involved at any stage to help with symptoms and practical support.

Ask what stage and tumour type have been identified, which findings support that assessment, and whether surgery or additional tests could change it. Ask about the goal of each treatment, genetic testing, symptom control and who to contact outside clinic hours.