Ovarian cancer stage 3c described by The American Cancer Society as cancer of one or both ovaries that has spread to the lymph nodes or tumors measuring larger than 2 cm that have attached to the inner abdomen. Approximately 50 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed as stage 3. This occurs because many cases of ovarian cancer cause vague or no symptoms early in the disease. The volume of disease refers to the amount of cancer left in the body after surgery. At times, surgeons are unable to remove all cancerous tissue. The more cancer left behind, the poorer the prognosis. After initial surgery, disease volume becomes difficult to measure. A blood test called a CA125 is commonly used to determine disease volume. Scans also stand as useful tools to determine disease volume.

Ovarian Cancer Stage 3c Prognosis

Ovarian Cancer Staging

Stage 3 ovarian cancer also has three separate characteristics. Stage 3a has a T number of 3a, and an N and M number of 0. This means there is cancer in one or both ovaries and the abdomen, but the cancer in the abdomen can’t be seen without a microscope. Stage 3b has a T number of 3b, which means there is cancer in one or both ovaries and visible cancer in the abdomen that is smaller than 2 cm long. There are two different possible factors or Stage 3c. Either the cancer, or any size T number, has spread to the lymph nodes or there is visible cancer larger than 2cm long in the abdomen. Stage 3a has a 50.8% five year survival rate. Stage 3b has a 42.4% five year survival rate. While the ovarian cancer stage 3c patients have a 31.5 – 32% five-year survival rate, there are only 22% of ovarian cancer stage 3c patients will live 10 years or more. Survival outcomes vary depending on many individual factors, but overall statistics average all cases of ovarian cancer at a particular stage.

The National Cancer Institute lists age and race as important factors in prognosis. Lower survival is noted in black women and older women. Other factors that affect the prognosis of ovarian cancer include the tumor’s response to treatment, overall health of the patient and the tolerance to treatment. Many times with advanced ovarian cancer that has reached stage 3c, quality of life and long-term survival become central issues. There are multiple factors affect the prognosis of ovarian cancer stage 3c.