Surgical staging for ovarian cancer: what to know

During surgery, the gynaecological oncology team examines the ovaries, nearby tissues and the abdominal lining. They may remove visible tumour, fluid or small tissue samples for a pathologist to examine. The findings show whether disease is limited to the pelvis or has reached other abdominal or distant areas. The final stage combines what the surgeon sees with what the laboratory finds; scans such as a pelvic ultrasound can support assessment but may not show every microscopic area.

Staging and tumour removal are related but different goals. An operation may include an oophorectomy, removal of the uterus or other tissue when clinically appropriate. The recommended approach depends on the tumour’s appearance, your health, fertility wishes and whether preserving an ovary is medically reasonable.

Ask which procedures are planned, what tissue may be removed, and when the pathology discussion is expected. Confirm how the result will affect chemotherapy, further surgery or monitoring. Your team may also discuss genomic tumour profiling and BRCA genetic testing because tumour and inherited genetic information can influence treatment choices and family counselling.

Before admission, share medicines, allergies and other health conditions. Arrange help for the early recovery period and ask how wound care, activity, eating and bowel changes should be handled. A personalised plan matters more than a stage label alone.

After surgery, contact your care team promptly for fever, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, heavy bleeding, a swollen or painful leg, shortness of breath, chest pain, or inability to pass urine. Sudden breathlessness, fainting or severe chest pain needs emergency assessment. These symptoms can have causes other than cancer, but they should not wait for a routine appointment.

Ask: What did the operation and pathology show? Which stage and tumour type apply? Was all visible disease removed? What recovery changes are expected? Do I need chemotherapy or another treatment? Should I consider genomic tumour profiling or BRCA testing? When will we review the plan?