Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a malignant ovarian neoplasm (an abnormal growth located on the ovaries).

Staging

Ovarian cancer staging is by the FIGO staging system and uses information obtained after surgery, which should include a total abdominal hysterectomy, removal of (usually) both ovaries and fallopian tubes, (usually) the omentum, and pelvic (peritoneal) washings for cytology. The AJCC stage is the same as the FIGO stage.

Related Topics:
FIGO - Hysterectomy - Omentum - Cytology

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• Stage I - limited to one or both ovaries
• IA - involves one ovary; capsule intact; no tumor on ovarian surface; no malignant cells in ascites or peritoneal washings
• IB - involves both ovaries; capsule intact; no tumor on ovarian surface; negative washings
• IC - tumor limited to ovaries with any of the following: capsule ruptured, tumor on ovarian surface, positive washings
• Stage II - pelvic extension or implants
• IIA - extension or implants onto uterus or fallopian tube; negative washings
• IIB - extension or implants onto other pelvic structures; negative washings
• IIC - pelvic extension or implants with positive peritoneal washings
• Stage III - microscopic peritoneal implants outside of the pelvis; or limited to the pelvis with extension to the small bowel or omentum
• IIIA - microscopic peritoneal metastases beyond pelvis
• IIIB - macroscopic peritoneal metastases beyond pelvis less than 2cm in size
• IIIC - peritoneal metastases beyond pelvis > 2 cm or lymph node metastases
• Stage IV - distant metastases

Paraaortic lymph node metastases are considered regional lymph nodes (Stage IIIC).

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