A cancer’s stage tells the doctor how big it is and whether it has spread. The scans and tests that are used to find out if you have cancer will tell you something about what stage it is in. Stage 3 ovarian cancer indicates that the malignancy has metastasized beyond the pelvis to the peritoneal lining of the abdominal cavity. It may also disseminate to the lymph nodes located in the posterior region of your belly. Three groups exist: 3A, 3B, and 3C.
Sub-groups in Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer
Stage 3A has two groups:
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Stage 3A1
indicates that the cancer has metastasised to the lymph nodes located in the posterior abdominal region.
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Stage 3A2
indicates that the physician has identified cancer cells in tissue specimens obtained from the peritoneal lining of the abdomen. It may also be present in your lymph nodes.
Stage 3B :
indicates the presence of cancerous lesions of 2 cm or less on the peritoneal lining of the abdomen. Cancer may also be present in your lymph nodes.
Stage 3C:
indicates the presence of neoplasms exceeding 2cm on the peritoneal lining of the abdomen. Cancer may also be present in your lymph nodes.
Early Symptoms of Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort.
- Difficulty with eating or experiencing early satiety, along with frequent or urgent urination.
Patients may exhibit further recognising warning signs of stage 3 ovarian cancer, including:
- Alterations in bowel habits include constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and potential bowel obstruction due to tumour proliferation.
- Pain during sexual intercourse may manifest as unilateral discomfort or generalised pain akin to menstrual cramps during penetrative activities.
- Back pain can manifest as discomfort in the lower back or the region between the rib cage and hip that resembles menstrual pain.
- Unintentional weight fluctuations may occur as a result of fluid accumulation in the abdominal region. Conversely, individuals may experience weight loss as a result of diminished appetite or cancer cachexia, a syndrome characterised by the loss of weight and muscle mass.
- Abdominal fluid accumulation occurs when malignancies in the abdomen and liver lead to significant fluid buildup. This fluid exerts pressure on the lungs, resulting in respiratory difficulties.
- Fatigue: The progression of stage 3 ovarian cancer is characterised by an increase in the number of cancer cells, and this depletes energy and may result in persistent fatigue or diminished energy levels.
Treatment
Ovarian cancer treatment predominantly involves
- Surgical intervention typically involves the excision of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. The cancer stage is assessed through tissue samples and the identification of metastasis indicators.
- Following surgery, chemotherapy, occasionally in conjunction with targeted therapies, reduces and eliminates any residual cancer cells.
- Intraperitoneal chemotherapy may be administered to certain patients, delivering a high concentration directly to the cancer cells.
Read Also: Stage 1 Cervical Cancer Symptoms
Summary
Stage 3 ovarian cancer has progressed, with malignant cells that have spread outside of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Chemotherapy and surgery are used in treatment; recurrence is common but varies from case to case.
References
- Fotopoulou, C., & Others. (2017). British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) epithelial ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer guidelines: Practice recommendations. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology, 213, 123–139.
- ESMO Guidelines Working Group. (2013). newly diagnosed and relapsed epithelial ovarian carcinoma: ESMO clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Annals of Oncology, 24(Suppl 6), vi24–vi32.
