Definition

The tumor is found in one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes, or is primary peritoneal cancer, and has spread outside the pelvis to other parts of the abdomen and/or to nearby lymph nodes. Stage III is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIA, one of the following is true: (1) the tumor has spread to lymph nodes in the area outside or behind the peritoneum only; or (2) tumor cells that can be seen only with a microscope have spread to the surface of the peritoneum outside the pelvis. The tumor may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. In stage IIIB, the tumor has spread to the peritoneum outside the pelvis and the tumor in the peritoneum is 2 centimeters or smaller. The tumor may have spread to lymph nodes behind the peritoneum. In stage IIIC, the tumor has spread to the peritoneum outside the pelvis and the tumor in the peritoneum is larger than 2 centimeters. The tumor may have spread to lymph nodes behind the peritoneum or to the surface of the liver or spleen.