Ovaries are important female organs that look like almonds. They are responsible for hormones. They also provide a place for the eggs. Ovarian cancer happens when there are unusual or cancerous cells inside one or both of them. Look for symptoms of ovarian cancer in NHS if you suspect that you have this. But of course, doctors are the only ones who can diagnose this.
Detection
Early detection will prevent cancer from further spreading into other parts of the body. Usually, the doctor will talk to you about your condition. They will also inform what stage of ovarian cancer you are in. Knowing this will help them to provide care for you. Also, it will determine the type of treatment to give. And lastly, this will give you awareness of what is happening to your body.
The process of determining this is called staging. Staging will tell the size and location of the abnormal cells. It will also tell where the cells started and where they are at the moment. Doctors can also know if it has spread. They will do the procedure by collecting samples. These will come out from parts of your pelvis and belly.
Stage I
Stage 1 is the least serious stage of ovarian cancer. The abnormal cells are only in the ovaries. It may be inside one ovary (Stage IA) or both ovaries (Stage IB). Doctors can easily remove the cells through surgery at this stage. However, they may be complications. The cells may leak into your belly or pelvic area (Stage IC1). They may also burst and leak even before the procedure (Stage IC2). When it happens, then one needs to do lab tests. Therefore, it will determine where the fluid has leaked in your body.
Moreover, at this stage, doctors can find clear cell ovarian cancer. Hence, it is an uncommon type of cancer. Its cause is usually different from the common type. Clear cell ovarian cancer may cause severe pain or discomfort. Those who have it will notice a lump in their abdomen.
The outlook on this stage is very good. Patients have a 90% survival rate. The main treatment involves the removal of affected organs. You may talk to your doctor about this. Other treatments may be better for you if you consider getting pregnant.
Stage II
Cancer has not spread into far organs. However, it has already reached organs close to the ovary. It may spread into other reproductive organs (Stage IIA). Stage IIB affects organs in the pelvis.
The survival rate is at 70% for those who are 65 years old and younger who have better chances. Treatment involves surgery. Doctors will remove affected organs. They will also take samples of other organs. It will help in determining which are affected.
Stage III
Cancer is also now in the stomach lining. It may also affect your nodes. Stage IIIA happens when the cells are already in the pelvis. It can damage the surfaces of other organs too. One can differentiate stage IIIB and stage IIIC based on their size. Mostly, 60% of diagnoses happen during this stage.
Stage III has a lesser chance of survival rate at 39%. Treatment is the same as in previous stages. Chemotherapy may follow after the surgery. Likewise, it is to find and remove any remaining abnormal cells.
Stage IV
Moreover, it is the most advanced stage. Hence, it means that the cancer is already in other organs far from the ovary. It may reach the lungs (Stage IVA). If you are at stage IVB, it means that the cancer is now affecting most parts of the body.
This stage has the lowest survival. The rate is approximately 17%. Treatment is done to remove as many abnormal cells as possible.
Talk with your doctor about your stage. They can also provide you guidance and support. You may want to check ovarian cancer symptoms NHS to grasp what you will go through fully. Talk to your doctor about your options. You have the sole option of what to choose. Do your research and weigh the benefits and effects of each. Cancer is a challenging experience. It can be scary. And you can ask for help from a therapist if it affects your mental health. You can also join a support group.
