Prognosis for Ovarian Cancer That Has Spread to the Ileum

Ovarian cancer that has spread to the ileum, or the part of the small intestine that leads into the colon, is categorized as a Stage III cancer, according to the Merck Manual. The prognosis for this type of cancer is dependent not only on staging, but on cancer cell type.

Cell Types

There are three main types of ovarian cells--epithelial, germ cell and stomal. Each has the potential to become cancerous.

Epithelial

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), this most common type of ovarian cancer also has the lowest survival rate. On average, 34 percent of women with Stage III epithelial ovarian cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis.

Germ Cell

These tumors make up less than two percent of ovarian cancers. ACS reports that the five year relative survival rate for Stage III germ cell tumors is 84 percent.

Stomal

Only one percent of ovarian cancers come from stomal cells. According to ACS, women with this type of Stage III ovarian cancer have a 5-year relative survival rate of 88 percent.

Treatment

Stage III ovarian cancer is treated using both surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is rarely prescribed.

References

• Merck Manual: Ovarian Cancer
• American Cancer Society: What Is Ovarian Cancer?
• American Cancer Society: How is Ovarian Cancer Staged?

Resources

• National Cancer Institute: What You Need to Know About Ovarian Cancer