What are the Stages of Ovarian Cancer?

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, one of the first things your doctor will determine is what stage your cancer is in. It is extremely important to get a proper staging diagnosis because different stages of cancer call for a wide range of treatments.

If your physician failed to properly stage your cancer diagnosis or your outcome could have been different were it not for negligence in diagnosing, you may have a medical malpractice case.

The American Cancer Society stages ovarian cancer in the following manner:

Stages of Ovarian Cancer
Stage IA – The cancer is only within the ovary and has not spread.
Stage IB – Cancer is in both ovaries and is not on the outside of the organ.
Stage IC – Cancer is in one or both of the ovaries with either of these conditions present: the tumor capsule broke during surgery, the tumor on at least one ovary is on the outside, and/or lab results report cancer cells in fluids of the abdomen.

Stage II ovarian cancer is characterized by cancer cells present in one or both ovaries where cells have spread to surrounding pelvic organs including the fallopian tube(s), uterus, bladder, sigmoid colon, and/or rectum.

Stage III ovarian cancer is classified by cancer cells that have spread beyond the organs and into the abdominal wall. The cancer may also have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but not to the nearby spleen or liver.

Stage IV ovarian cancer is the most advanced stage and has spread to more distal organs including the lungs, liver, and spleen. Cancer cells are also found in fluids.

If you believe your ovarian cancer diagnosis was delayed, contact medical malpractice attorneys Robert Messey, MD/JD and Gayle Sullivan, RN/JD immediately. They draw upon their decades of medical and legal experience and knowledge to help you file your case. Call immediately at 1-855-494-8300.