Ovarian Cancer Staging

Stage I

Growth limited to the ovaries

IA

Growth limited to one ovary; no ascites present containing malignant cells. No tumor on the external surface; capsule intact.

IB

Growth limited to both ovaries; no ascites present containing malignant cells. No tumor on the external surfaces; capsules intact

IC

Tumor classified as either Stage I A or I B but with tumor on the surface of one or both ovaries; or with ruptures capsule(s); or with ascites containing malignant cells or with positive peritoneal washings.

Stage II

Growth involving one or both ovaries, with pelvic extension.

IIA

Extension and/or metastases to the uterus and/or tubes.

IIB

Extension to other pelvic tissue.

IIC

Tumor classified as either Stage II A or II B but with tumor on the surface of one or both ovaries; or with capsule(s) ruptures; or with ascites containing malignant cells or with positive peritoneal washings

Stage III

Tumor involiving one or both ovaries with peritoneal implants outside the pelvis and/or positive retroperitoneal or inguinal nodes. Superficial liver metastasis equals Stage III. Tumor is limited to the true pelvis but with histologically proven malignant extension to small bowel or omentrum.

IIIA

Tumor grossly limited to the true pelvis with negative nodes but with histologically confirmed microscopic seeding of abdominal peritoneal surfaces

IIIB

Tumor of one or both ovaries with histologically confirmed implants of abdominal peritoneal surfaces, none exceeding 2 cm in diameter; nodes are negative.

IIIC

Abdominal implants greater than 2 cm in diameter and/or positive retroperitoneal or inguinal nodes.

Stage IV

Growth involving one or both ovaries with distant metastases. If pleural effusion is present, there must be positive cytological findings to allot a case to Stage IV. Parenchymal liver metastasis equals Stage IV.