If you’re concerned about ovarian cancer, either because you have a family history of it or because you have other risk factors, it’s important to do your research. Understanding more about what symptoms are, and how cancer progresses, will help you be more informed. Knowing what to look for can help you get to the doctor faster, and will help you ask the right questions concerning treatment. Keep reading to understand more about ovarian cancer.
The stage of a tumor can be determined during surgery when we can tell if cancer has spread outside the ovaries. There are four stages of ovarian cancer – Stage I (early disease) to Stage IV (advanced disease). After we determine what stage the cancer is in, we can then tailor the treatment plan to it.
Stage I
The cancer is confined to the ovary or fallopian tube, in this stage. You may have cancer in one or both ovaries during this stage.
Stage II
The cancer is in one or both ovaries, but with an extension to the pelvic region. It may be found in the uterus or other pelvic organs during this stage.
Stage III
In this stage, cancer has traveled from one or both of the ovaries, past the pelvic region. Cancer may be found in the abdomen, lymph nodes, the liver, or even the spleen.
Stage IV
During this stage of ovarian cancer, cancer cells are found throughout the body. Instead of being confined to the ovaries or even the pelvic region, cancer cells may be found in the lungs or other parts of the body.
Treatment for cancer will depend on where the cancer is found, and how early we have caught the spread of cancer. Understanding more about cancer, and doing your research, will help you identify the best plan for you.
If you are concerned about the treatment of ovarian cancer, or other cancer, give us a call. We treat cancer of all kinds including ovarian, cervical, uterine, brain, breast, colorectal, head and neck, lung, prostate, skin, multiple myeloma, and even non-cancers like keloids. Please call us today at (928) 537-6937 to schedule a consultation.
