Your age, your general health, and the stage of your tumor all affect prognosis in ovarian cancer. The grade of the tumor also has prognostic implications. The grade is determined by the way the cancer cells appear under a microscope. Low grade cancer cells, described as "well differentiated," look like normal cells while high grade cancer cells look more abnormal. Also, patients with abdominal fluid, also called ascites, have a less favorable prognosis.
- Operations performed by a Gynecologic Oncologist who is significantly more likely to remove all or most of the cancer especially with radical procedures in the pelvis and upper abdomen
- Early diagnosis
- Early stage and grade (cell type)
- Age and functional performance at diagnosis
- Amount of tumor left in at the time of first surgery (debulking)
- Surgery performed at medical centers that perform a high volume of gynecologic cancer surgeries
- Use of chemotherapy in the abdomen (intraperitoneal chemotherapy)
Continue Learning about Ovarian Cancer
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.