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NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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stage II ovarian epithelial cancer  listen  (... oh-VAYR-ee-un EH-pih-THEE-lee-ul KAN-ser)

  Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread into other areas of the pelvis. Stage II is divided into stages IIA, IIB, and IIC. In stage IIA, cancer has spread to the uterus and/or the fallopian tubes. In stage IIB, cancer has spread to other tissue within the pelvis. In stage IIC, cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to the uterus and/or fallopian tubes, or to other tissue within the pelvis. Also, one of the following is true: (1) cancer is also found on the outside surface of one or both ovaries; or (2) the capsule (outer covering) of the ovary has ruptured (broken open); or (3) cancer cells are found in the fluid of the peritoneal cavity (the body cavity that contains most of the organs in the abdomen) or in washings of the peritoneum (tissue lining the peritoneal cavity).

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Three-panel drawing of stage IIA, IIB, and IIC ovarian cancer; first panel shows two stage IIA tumors, one inside each ovary, that have spread to the uterus and fallopian tube. The second panel shows two stage IIB tumors, one inside each ovary, that have spread to the uterus, fallopian tube,  and  colon. The third panel shows two stage IIC tumors, one inside each ovary, that have spread to the uterus and colon. An inset shows cancer cells floating in the peritoneal fluid surrounding abdominal organs. Also shown are the cervix and vagina.