How Ovarian Cancer Spreads
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| Click to enlarge: How Cancer Spreads |
The first place cancer is found in the body is called the primary site or primary tumor. How cancer grows and spreads is its pathophysiology. If cancer spreads from the ovary, it often first goes into the nearby lymph nodes, the uterus, or the vagina. It can, however, spread to these places.
In its later stages, ovarian cancer may spread to the lungs or other distant organs.
Stage is the word doctors use to communicate where and how far the cancer has spread. Your oncologist learns where cancer has spread from biopsies and scans. The stage is based on these things.
Doctors need to know what stage your ovarian cancer is in to decide what treatment to recommend.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Herzog, Thomas J. MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Martin, Virginia A. RN, MSN, AOCN
Date Last Reviewed:
2/6/2006
Date Last Modified:
4/21/2006