We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Stage 3c Ovarian Cancer?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,798
Share

Stage 3c ovarian cancer generally refers to cancer which has affected at least one ovary as well as lymph nodes or other areas close to the primary site, usually within the abdominal cavity. Cancer may also spread to the other reproductive organs, such as the uterus and cervix. During this stage, cancer has generally not spread to areas out of the abdomen, such as the lungs, bones, or neck.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly malignancies affecting women, primarily because it is difficult to detect in its early stages. There are often no symptoms until the cancer has spread, and even then they can be vague and easy to miss. Women are generally diagnosed and staged, with stage 1 cancers being the least severe and easiest and treat and stage 4 cancers being the most progressed. Stage 3c ovarian cancer is one step below the most advanced stage.

By the time a woman is diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer, the best treatment is often to remove one or both ovaries as well as any lymph nodes which are affected. Additional tumors, if present, are also typically removed. Chemotherapy is often performed after this to destroy any remaining cancer cells within the body. Radiation treatments may also be performed if necessary. The prognosis for stage 3c ovarian cancer varies widely based on how far the cancer has spread, where it has spread, and how aggressive each particular cancer is.

Some cancers respond better to treatment than others. Ovarian cancer is often fatal when caught in its later stages, but this is different for every woman. Emerging therapies are being developed which may make finding, diagnosing and treating ovarian cancers more effective. The overall survival rate for ovarian cancer patients have improved in recent years, but the prognosis for stage 3c ovarian cancer remains poor.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include, but are not limited to, unusual vaginal bleeding, abdominal discomfort, bloating, digestive upset, and fatigue. These symptoms often only occur once the cancer has spread to other areas or when a tumor has grown very large. Sometimes digestive symptoms are the first clue to illness because the primary tumor presses against the colon or intestines, making digestion more difficult. Although there are no annual physical exams which are recommended for the detection of ovarian cancer, sometimes the yearly pap test can indicate cancer if cells have spread into the cervix.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-stage-3c-ovarian-cancer.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.