Stage 1 ovarian cancer
The stage of a cancer tells the doctor how big it is and if it has spread. The tests and scans you have to diagnose your cancer will give some information about the stage. But your doctor might not be able to tell you the exact stage until you have surgery.
Doctors use the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system to stage cancers in the:
- ovaries
- fallopian tubes
- peritoneum
There are four stages, numbered 1 to 4.
Stage 1 ovarian cancer means the cancer is only in the ovaries. It is classed as early ovarian cancer. Surgery is the main treatment. Some women also need chemotherapy.
What is stage 1 ovarian cancer?
Stage 1 ovarian cancer is only in the ovaries. It is divided into 3 groups:
Stage 1A means the cancer is completely inside one ovary or fallopian tube
Stage 1B means the cancer is completely inside both ovaries or fallopian tubes
Stage 1C is split in to 3 groups:
- stage 1C1 means the cancer is in one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes. The ovary ruptures (bursts) during surgery
- stage 1C2 means the cancer is in one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes. The ovary ruptures (bursts) before surgery or there is some cancer on the surface of an ovary or fallopian tube
- stage 1C3 means the cancer is in one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes. There are cancer cells in fluid taken from inside your abdomen during surgery
Treating stage 1 ovarian cancer
The main treatment is surgery. Some women need chemotherapy.
Your healthcare team consider several factors when deciding what type of treatment you need. These factors include;
- whether you have stage 1A, 1B or 1C ovarian cancer
- the grade of your cancer
- the type of cells the cancer started in
- your age and whether you want any more children
- other health conditions you have
Surgery
Surgery for early ovarian cancer aims to remove your cancer and find out how far it has spread. The specialist surgeon (gynaecologist) usually removes your:
- ovaries
- fallopian tubes
- womb (including the cervix)
During the operation, the gynaecologist examines the inside of your abdomen and your abdominal organs for signs of cancer. You might need further surgery if your cancer has spread.
Having children in the future
For some low grade stage 1A cancers, it might be possible to only remove the affected ovary and fallopian tube. The unaffected ovary and your womb are not removed. This means you might be able to become pregnant and have a baby afterwards.
Chemotherapy
After surgery, your doctor might suggest you have chemotherapy. This depends on:
- your type of cancer
- the grade of your cancer
This is called adjuvant chemotherapy and aims to lower the risk of your cancer coming back.
