Stages and grades
The stage of a cancer tells you 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.
Staging can be complicated. Talk to your specialist doctor or nurse if you are unsure. They can help you understand more about your cancer stage.
Read more about the stages and grades of 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
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 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.
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.
Read more about surgery for early ovarian cancer
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.
Read about chemotherapy for ovarian cancer
Researchers are always trying to improve the treatment and quality of life for people with ovarian cancer.
Find out more about research into ovarian cancer
Last reviewed: 28 Nov 2024
Next review due: 29 Nov 2027
Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
Most ovarian cancers start in the cells covering the ovaries and are called epithelial ovarian cancers. Other rare types include germ cell tumours, stromal tumours and sarcomas.
The stage tells you how big your cancer is and whether it has spread. The grade means how abnormal the cells look under the microscope.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They might refer you to a specialist and organise tests.
The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery and chemotherapy. Your treatment depends on several factors including your cancer stage and grade.
Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
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