What are the Stages of Ovarian Cancer?

Stages of Ovarian Cancer Explained

Ovarian cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the ovaries, which can destroy adjacent healthy tissues aggressively. It is also referred to as a "silent killer" because its symptoms may not show up until the cancer has spread to advanced stages. 

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the age-adjusted incidence of ovarian cancer in India has been estimated to be around 6.8 per 100,000 women. Early detection and knowledge about the stages of ovarian cancer and its symptoms, causes, risk factors, etc., are essential for improved treatment outcomes.

Keep reading for better insight!

TNM System 

In this system, T refers to the extent or size of the tumour. T determines whether the cancerous cells have gone beyond the ovaries or not. N refers to the lymph nodes, and it determines whether the tumour has spread to the pelvis or aorta. M refers to metastasis or distant sites, and it determines whether the cancer has spread to the lungs, bones or liver. 

FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) and AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) both use this TNM system while staging ovarian cancer.

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer has four stages, which are further classified into sub-stages based on how far the cancer has spread from where it first started in the ovaries:

●  Stage 1

This stage has three sub-stages (1A, 1B, and 1C). In stage 1A, cancer occurs in one ovary or one fallopian tube. Stage 1B shows that cancer occurs in an ovary and a fallopian tube. 

In stage 1C, cancer cells are found in both ovaries or fallopian tubes and often can extend outside the ovary, either on the organ surface or within the area surrounding the organ called the peritoneal cavity.

●  Stage 2

The second stage is also divided into some sub-stages. In stage 2A, cancer spreads from the ovary to the uterus. Additionally, in stage 2B, it gets spread to some other nearby areas within the pelvis.

●  Stage 3

There are three sub-stages in stage 3. In stage 3A, cancer extends to the abdomen (microscopically) or to lymph nodes from beyond the pelvis. In stage 3B, the tumour remains up to 2 centimetres in size and can extend beyond the pelvis or to lymph nodes. 

Stage 3C means that cancer has extended outside the pelvic region and measures more than 2 centimetres in size or can involve lymph nodes, extending to other organs such as the liver and spleen.

●  Stage 4

This is the most progressive stage of ovarian cancer. In stage 4, cancer has spread to internal organs like the liver or spleen. Stage 4A means it is close to the lungs, while Stage 4B indicates that cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the groin or into the chest.

Probable Causes of Ovarian Cancer 

Finding the exact cause of ovarian cancer is difficult, but still, medical experts have highlighted some of the possible environmental or genetic factors as follows: 

●  Endometriosis is when uterine tissue starts to grow outside of the uterus. 
●  Early menstruation or extremely late menopause. 
●  BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations that affect DNA structure.
●  Extreme obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle. 
●  Lynch syndrome, where mutations in DNA lead to its replication.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer tends to show no such major symptoms in the beginning. Therefore, the cancer is often not detected until it has grown and most likely spread to other parts of the body, developing into a life-threatening condition. 

Some common signs of ovarian cancer are:

●  Unexplained and frequent bloating
●  Feeling too full after eating a small amount of food
●  Trouble eating or loss of appetite
●  Increased frequency or urgency of urination
●  Pain in the pelvis
●  Abdominal pain or cramps
●  Stomach upset or indigestion.
●  Nausea
●  Fatigue
●  Pressure in the lower back or pelvic region
●  Back pain
●  Constipation
●  Painful intercourse
● Swelling of the abdomen
● Menstrual cycle changes
●  Sudden weight loss 

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

The key factors that can contribute to the increasing risk of ovarian cancer include:

●  Older age
●  Family history of ovarian cancer
●  Inherited gene changes
●  Being obese or overweight
●  Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
●  Endometriosis
●  Never having been pregnant. 

How to Diagnose Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is often difficult to diagnose due to the lack of a reliable screening test in the early stage: 

• If this is suspected, the doctor will extensively check the patient’s medical history and symptoms and perform a pelvic exam to determine whether there are abnormal growths. 

There is no accurate screening process to diagnose ovarian cancer as of now. Medical professionals suggest a pelvic exam and lower abdominal USG to check the abnormalities. Here is a list of tests that might determine if someone is suffering from ovarian cancer:

• Ultrasound 
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
•  Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan 
• Blood tests, such as the ones done for CA-125, help detect cancer indicators. 
• In some cases, a laparoscopy is performed to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the stage of cancer.

Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Some common treatment methods used for ovarian cancer include:

• Surgery: This usually involves removing the reproductive organs and any affected tissues. Surgeons may perform this procedure through laparoscopy, which is a less invasive method, or alternatively, laparotomy, which requires a larger abdominal incision.
• Chemotherapy: Your doctor might suggest chemotherapy either before or after surgery. These drugs are designed to target and destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered through an IV (intravenously) or taken as pills (orally).
• Targeted Therapy: This treatment uses specific drugs to locate and attack cancer cells, altering how they grow and multiply.
• Hormone Therapy:  Some ovarian cancers rely on hormones for growth. This therapy works by blocking those hormones, which can slow or halt cancer progression.
• Radiation therapy: Often, radiation therapy is adopted in order to treat ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer cases have been increasing at an alarming rate lately in India. No proper treatment is available since there is no accurate way to determine its causes. However, many health experts suggest being aware of family health history since that will help to determine if there is any potential of getting ovarian cancer in the future.

Ovarian cancer is a serious and life-threatening disease that needs to be detected early for the best results. To provide cancer insurance to everyone, Star Health Insurance offers a complete Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy that caters to the specific requirements of cancer patients with more flexibility and coverage.

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Also Read:

→ What Cancer is Covered by Critical Illness Insurance

→ What if I get Cancer Without Insurance

→ What is Cancer Insurance

→ Which Health Insurance is Best for Cancer Patients