Prognosis for Ovarian Cancer Stage IV

Stage 4 ovarian cancer is the most advanced stage. The prognosis of those with stage 4 ovarian cancer is poor. Doctors recommend either aggressive treatment or palliative care depending on the size and locations of the tumors.

Definition

Doctors diagnose stage 4 ovarian cancer when tumors are found in the organs outside of the abdomen. Tumors in the lymph nodes away from the abdomen result in a stage 4 diagnosis as well.

Function

Tumors in the ovaries metastasize to adjacent organs or tissue. Cancer cells also metastasize by flowing through the bloodstream or via lymph channels.

Treatment

The treatment for advanced stage ovarian cancer depends on whether or not most of the tumors can be removed surgically and whether the remaining tumors are small enough to be shrunk with chemotherapy.

Alternative

If fighting the cancer lowers quality of life with low probability of success, doctors usually suggest palliative care as another option. With palliative care, tumors are treated with chemotherapy and radiation treatment to manage symptoms and increase quality of life.

Prognosis

According to the American Cancer Society, only 18 percent of patients with stage 4 ovarian cancer survive after five years.

References

• American Cancer Society - How Ovarian Cancer is Staged
• Cancer Research UK - Statistics and outlook for ovarian cancer
• National Cancer Institute - Ovary Fact Sheet

Resources

• Mayo Clinic - Ovarian Cancer
• American Cancer Society - Treatment Options