FIGO Staging Ovarian Cancer Explained: A Complete Stage Overview

FIGO Staging Ovarian Cancer: Guide to Stages & Their Meaning

When someone is told they have ovarian cancer, it’s not just a diagnosis; it’s the beginning of a hundred emotions and questions.

The medical terms that follow sound distant, but one of the most important among them is FIGO staging of ovarian cancer.

The ovaries have a big role in producing hormones and supporting fertility. When cancer begins there, doctors rely on the latest FIGO staging of ovarian cancer to understand how far it has spread.

What is FIGO staging of ovarian cancer?

The FIGO staging of ovarian cancer system, created by the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), classifies ovarian cancer based on how far it has spread.

Essentially, it shows whether the cancer is contained within the ovaries or has moved to other parts of the body.

Following the FIGO guidelines of ovarian cancer ensures that healthcare professionals around the world approach diagnosis and treatment consistently.

Breakdown of FIGO staging of ovarian cancer

Understanding the FIGO staging system for ovarian cancer helps put medical details into perspective.

Stage I

• •tage IA:
  In FIGO stage 1A, ovarian cancer is found in a single ovary (or fallopian tube) and has not spread.
• •Stage IB:
  Both ovaries (or tubes) are affected but contained within them.
• •Stage IC:
  Cancer remains limited to the ovaries but shows higher risk features such as: 1. rupture of the outer capsule before or during surgery, or 2. cancer cells detected in abdominal fluid (ascitic fluid or washings)

Stage II

• •Stage IIA:
  The tumour has spread from the ovaries to nearby reproductive organs such as the uterus or fallopian tubes.
• •Stage IIB
  The spread involves other pelvic structures like the bladder, rectum, or pelvic wall.

Stage III

• •Stage IIIA:
  Microscopic cancer cells are detected outside the pelvis, usually on the abdominal lining or in nearby lymph nodes.
• •Stage IIIB:
  Visible tumour deposits (≤2 cm) are found in the abdomen or on the surface of the liver or spleen.
• •Stage IIIC:
  Larger tumour deposits (>2 cm) or spread to lymph nodes in the abdomen or groin, this is often referred to as FIGO Stage 3C ovarian cancer.

Stage IV

• •Stage IVA:
  Cancer cells are found in fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion).
• •Stage IVB:
  Spread to organs outside the abdomen, such as the liver tissue, lungs, or distant lymph nodes.

FIGO staging and ovarian cancer radiology

Imaging plays an essential role in the FIGO staging ovarian cancer radiology process. Radiology helps doctors map the tumour, understand its size and spread, and guide treatment decisions.

Role of CT, MRI, PET scans

Imaging scans play a crucial role in understanding how ovarian cancer has spread. They help doctors plan treatment and monitor disease more accurately.

CT scan (Computed Tomography)

A CT scan gives doctors a broad, three-dimensional view of the abdomen and pelvis. It helps identify the tumour’s size, whether it has spread to nearby organs, and if lymph nodes appear enlarged.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI offers a detailed look at soft tissues in the pelvis. It helps clarify where exactly the tumour is and whether it’s pressing against or invading nearby structures.

PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

PET scans detect metabolic activity: areas where cells are consuming more energy than normal, often a sign of cancer.

By revealing hidden or small metastases that might not be visible on CT or MRI, PET scans provide an extra layer of certainty in staging and treatment planning.

Imaging vs. surgical staging

Imaging offers an initial overview, but only surgical staging can pinpoint the cancer’s precise stage.

FIGO staging and ovarian cancer treatment

How is treatment guided by FIGO stage of ovarian cancer

• •Stage I:
  Surgery is usually enough. In some cases (like Stage IC), short chemotherapy cycles are added for extra safety.
• •Stage II:
  Surgery followed by chemotherapy to clear both visible and microscopic types of cancer cells.
• •Stage III:
  Extensive (cytoreductive) surgery combined with several chemotherapy cycles, sometimes followed by maintenance therapy.
• •Stage IV:
  Systemic treatments such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or palliative surgery; aimed at control, comfort, and maintaining quality of life.

Early vs. advanced stages

Treatment approaches differ depending on whether ovarian cancer is detected early or at an advanced stage.

FIGO staging - ovarian cancer prognosis

Survival outlook per stage

• •Stage I:
  5-year survival often exceeds 90% with timely treatment.
• •Stage II:
  Around 70%, depending on tumour grade and surgical success
• •Stage III:
  Typically 40–50%, though outcomes improve with modern therapies and maintenance treatments.
• •Stage IV:
  About 20–25%, but new targeted options continue to extend survival and quality of life.

Importance of accurate FIGO staging of ovarian cancer

Precise staging ensures that every patient receives care that fits their condition, avoiding both overtreatment and undertreatment. It also helps doctors predict recurrence risk.

Mnemonic for FIGO staging of ovarian cancer

Remembering the FIGO staging of ovarian cancer can be simplified with this easy mnemonic:

“O-P-A-L”

• •O -
  Ovary only (Stage 1)
• •P -
  Pelvis involved (Stage 2)
• •A -
  Abdomen spread (Stage 3)
• •L -
  Lungs/liver distant (Stage 4)

What this means for you

Understanding FIGO staging of ovarian cancer helps you see the disease clearly and makes treatment plans less overwhelming. Each stage shows how your care will be tailored, what treatments may be needed, and what to expect along the way.