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HomeTopicsOvarian Cancer Staging
Ovarian Cancer Stages, Grading and PrognosisOvarian cancer stages are used to describe the spread and aggressiveness of a tumor. Staging occurs after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer is made. The stage and grade of a tumor are important prognostic factors that help determine the outcome of the cancer and treatment options. Surgical Cancer Staging and LaparotomyCancer staging requires a surgical technique called a laparotomy. During a laparotomy a surgical incision is made in the abdomen so the surgeon can visually examine the ovaries, the pelvic cavity and the abdomen. The surgeon removes as much of the tumor as possible, along with any lymph nodes that may be affected. If possible, a qualified gynecologic oncologist should perform the laparotomy.
A number of imaging techniques may be used to help stage the cancer, including x-rays, ultrasound and CT scans. A CT scan, or CAT scan, uses x-rays to produce multiple cross section images or "slices" of the body. Ovarian Cancer StagesCancer of the ovaries goes through four stages.
At a Glance: Ovarian Cancer Stages
Histopathology: Grading TumorsHistopathology is the evaluation of cancerous cells at a microscopic level, and is the basis for tumor grading. Histopathology grades tumors depending on the level of differentiation, or maturity, of the cells. Well-differentiated cells look very much like healthy, mature cells, and are likely to be less aggressive than tumor cells that resemble immature cells. Histopathology assigns the tumor cells one of three grades:
Prognosis FactorsThe most accurate ovarian cancer prognosis depends on staging and grading scores. However, a few other factors come into play. Older women have a worse prognosis, as do women who have ascites (fluid retention in the abdomen). The amount of cancerous tissue remaining after the laparotomy may also have a positive or negative affect on prognosis.
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