There are four stages for the ovarian cancer that tell about the degree of the cancer and require different treatment therapies and different attention. These stages show how far the cancer spread. A good diagnosis of the ovarian cancer stage may increase the chances of treating it and may save time.

The first ovarian cancer stage may be divided in three sub-stages: the cancer has a limited location inside one ovary; both ovaries are affected; the surface of the ovary or ovaries is affected or the fluid of the abdomen already contains cancer cells or the ovary bursts during the surgery or before it. Besides, the third sub-stage may consist in the first or second sub-stage and the mentioned process of the ovary burst.

The second stage has the signs of the fact that the cancer cells have spread outside the ovary or ovaries. There are several possibilities in this second stage of the ovarian cancer: bladder, rectum or other tissues in the pelvis are affected by the cancer cells, but no signs of the cancer cells are present in the abdomen; the womb or the fallopian tubes have signs of the fact that the cancer has spread there; one or both mentioned aspects are true and cancer cells are to be found on the surface of at least one ovary and in the fluid of the abdomen.

The third stage of the ovarian cancer means that the cancer cells have spread in the abdominal cavity, affecting the groin and the lymph nodes in the upper abdomen. The third stage of the ovarian cancer may be seen due the tissue taken from the lining of the abdomen that contains cancer cells. It may be also discovered due to the appearance of some problems on the lining of the abdomen – tumor growths smaller than 2 cm. Another sign of the third stage of the ovarian cancer is the presence of tumors larger than 2 cm in peritoneum. Besides, cancer cells are present in the groin, behind the womb and in the lymph nodes in the upper abdomen.

The fourth stage of the ovarian cancer is when the cancer has spread into other organs of the body. This aspect is also called metastasize, as the other organs are affected, be it the case of lungs or liver.

The stages of the ovarian cancer are assigned with the help of some diagnostic tests: laparotomy and laparoscopy. Both laparotomy and laparoscopy are surgical procedures that suppose incision and examination. Laparotomy needs an incision in the lower abdomen, being an exploratory surgery in its essence, as the surgeon examines the area and takes a sample of tissue or fluid in order to discover and analyze the stage of the ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, there are cases when some signs of the cancer cells are present in the area so that the surgeon may remove the entire ovary. In this way, the spread of the cancer cells in the abdominal cavity may be successfully stopped. Laparoscopy involves a small incision in the abdomen and the introduction of a flexible tube in order to determine the stage of the ovarian cancer. In this case the ovary may be removed as well if there are enough signs of the fact that cancer has spread out of the ovary.

The stages of the ovarian cancer are very important, because the physicians may be aware of the exact location and size of the cancer. Different options for the beginning of the treatment process may be chosen, taking into account the stage of the ovarian cancer. Although the age and the general health of the patient are also important, the establishment of the exact stage of the ovarian cancer is a decisive aspect in selecting the right option for treatment.