Ovarian cancer staging

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Huda A. Karman, M.D.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Ovarian cancer staging is by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system and uses information obtained after surgery, which can include a total abdominal hysterectomy, removal of (usually) both ovaries and fallopian tubes, (usually) the momentum, and pelvic (peritoneal) washings for cytology. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage is the same as the FIGO stage. The staging system is based on the surgical information about the tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis. The evaluation of the tumor determines if it is primary or secondary, involve one ovary, both ovaries, or fallopian tube, involve ovarian surface, capsule rupture, and if there is dense adhesions.

Staging[edit | edit source]

• Ovarian cancer staging is by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system and uses information obtained after surgery, which can include a total abdominal hysterectomy, removal of (usually) both ovaries and fallopian tubes, (usually) the momentum, and pelvic (peritoneal) washings for cytology. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage is the same as the FIGO stage.^[1]
• The staging system is based on the surgical information about the tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis.
• The following should be considered when evaluating the tumor:
  • Is it primary or secondary
  • Involvement of both ovaries or ovarian tube
  • Involvement of ovarian surface and hence, expose peritoneum to the tumor cells
  • Rupture of the capsule
  • Presence of dense adhesions
• The staging system is the same for ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and peritoneal carcinoma with large variations based on the histologic subtypes
• To achieve better outcome, the surgical staging procedure should be operated by gynecologist oncologist.

References[edit | edit source]