Anyone who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer should take the necessary time to learn about the different ovarian cancer stages and what each level of the classification system represents. Ovarian cancer can be very dangerous and women should be vigilant about monitoring their symptoms in order to detect the affliction in the earliest possible stages. Although the cause of the condition is not known, there are certain factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this form of cancer. A woman who has a family history of ovarian cancer should be especially vigilant as a direct gene has been determined to elevate the possible risk. Mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are at a higher risk and stages of ovarian cancer can advance without notice in women with these mutations.

The staging of ovarian cancer is determined by the FIGO system. Typically, an exploratory surgery will be done in women who have been diagnosed with the condition. After this surgery has been completed, a physician will be able to accurately label the specific stage of the cancer. All of the stages are subdivided for more accurate classification. Stage 1 can either be present in only one ovary or in both ovaries. Stage 1A is when the cancer is only in one ovary and the capsule is still intact. There is no actual tumor on the surface of the ovary or malignant cells to be found in the peritoneal washings or ascites. The second level, stage 1B is the same as 1A but is present in both ovaries. Stage 1C is when the capsule has broken, a tumor has been developed on the surface of the ovary, or there are positive washings.

When the cancer has spread to the pelvic area or has implants, it is then labeled as being in stage 2. If this spread is present on the fallopian tubes or uterus, then it is classified as 2A, whereas tumors that spread to other pelvic areas are called by the name of stage2B. Both stages 2A and 2B have negative peritoneal washings, but stage 2C will have positive washings. Stage 2C can occur to different parts of the pelvis, uterus, or fallopian tubes.

Stage 3 ovarian cancer occurs when the cancer has moved to the small intestine, omentum, or other areas that are outside the pelvic region. The subdivision of stage 3 cancer of the ovaries involve the size of the tumor as well as its location. In stage 2A, the tumor has simply metastasized past the pelvis area. Stage 2B is the label that is used when the spread is less than two centimeters. If the size is greater than two centimeters, it has reached the 3C stage. Stage 4 is the last and most damaging level of classification. When the cancer has reached this stage, it means that the tumorous cells have gone outside of the peritoneal cavity and may have reached the liver of the patient. Depending on which of the specific ovarian cancer stages has been reached, a local cancer specialist will be needed to recommend the most effective possible treatment options.