Stage of Cancer

My mom is 55 with no family history of any type of cancer but had a large cyst on her ovary, so they performed a hysterctomy last week. We just got the test results back and the Doctor actually said that he would call the cancer stage 1, but the medical community would call it Stage 2. It was confined to the ovaries, and he said some fluid leaked on the pelvic wall, but he said that they removed everything from the hysterectomy. He said it did not get to the uterus, rectum, fallopian tubes or colon.  e called the Chemo an "insurance policy" and said 6 treatments should be sufficient. I am not sure the "grade" of the tumor....
What would be the percentages of recurrence at this stage?
Also, I am confused by the 5 year survival rate....there is no percentage for Stage 2? And does this take in effect all ages? Does the medical community only use 5 year survival for all cancers? What is the reason? It seems as though, numerous people live a lot longer....

Thanks again for all of your help.

[Tybear]

I guess it would be a stage 2 because of the cyst leaking and I would definately do the chemo - unfortunately, this type of cancer does have a high recurrence rate although it's probably a lot less with the lower stages. I think there are only 5 yr survival rates because when they do research, it's done in 5 yr incriments. All the statistics your reading now were from 5 yrs ago (so I've heard). I hope someone else will come along and give you a more concrete answer! Good luck to your mom...
Becky

[chickpea_and_me]

I have a stage 2b ov cancer. I dont know about reaccurance. my oncologist did say I had a 80percent chance of getting thru this...some of the higher stages are only 30 percent I think.  I dont know about the 5 year study info?

[loralai]

In Aug I had my cyst removed and they found a malignant tumor in my left ovary. They did a full hysterectomy and all my biopsies came back clear. The cyst did rupture therefore I was declared a Stage 1C. I am told that the C is due to the rupture. I am curious did he explain why he said Stage 1 vs. 2? I googled Stages of Cancer and it tells me that Stage 2 means some is found in the pelvis? Anyway, I too am doing "preventative" chemo and just finished round #3. Luckily for me it hasn't been that difficult. Mostly just fatigue but I walk the treadmill at they gym which helps a lot...and vitamin B6 for numbness in fingers and feet. Unfortunately, I can't give you any statistics (I avoid them!) but I feel very lucky to have caught this at Stage 1. Keep positive!! Good luck and God Bless!!