How Long Does It Take Ovarian Cancer To Grow and Spread?

People sometimes call ovarian cancer the "silent killer" because it can grow slowly over years without showing any clear signs. Many people don’t realise something is wrong until the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. But how long does it really take for ovarian cancer to grow – from the first abnormal cell to the point where symptoms appear? 

The truth is that the timing can vary a lot depending on the type of cancer, your genes, and your overall health. But knowing how quickly ovarian cancer grows can help you notice early signs and take action before it’s too late.

How does ovarian cancer spread?

It starts when cells in one or both ovaries, the two small oval-shaped organs on each side of the uterus, start to grow uncontrollably. These cells don’t die when they should, and over time, they form a tumour. Some tumours remain in the ovary for a long time, while others spread quickly to nearby organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, or abdomen.

The three primary kinds of ovarian cancer are:

• Epithelial tumours: 

  • The most common type; they start in the outer layer of the ovary.

  • The epithelial ovarian cancer contains both slow (low-grade) and fast (high-grade) tumours. 

  • High-grade serous carcinoma, the most common epithelial subtype, is often aggressive and is responsible for most late-stage diagnoses.

• Germ cell tumours: 

  • These develop from the germ cells that produce eggs. 

  • Germ cell tumours, such as yolk sac tumours and immature teratomas, are rare and typically affect younger women.

• Stromal tumours: 

  • These start in the hormone-producing tissues of the ovary. Each kind behaves differently. 

How long does it take for ovarian cancer to grow?

Ovarian cancer doesn’t develop all at once; it usually takes years to grow. Abnormal cells can begin multiplying long before any symptoms appear. For many women, the disease progresses slowly for five to ten years before diagnosis. Several factors can affect the cancer stage progression rate:

• Types of ovarian cancer:

  • Some types of ovarian cancer, such as epithelial ovarian cancer, are aggressive and spread quickly, while others, like stromal ovarian cancer, grow slowly and may remain in the ovaries for years.

• Genetic changes: 

  • Mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes can make cancer grow faster and more aggressively.

• Age and hormones: 

  • Risk and growth rates tend to increase as you get older or if your hormones are imbalanced.

• Health and immune system: 

  • A strong immune response can help prevent abnormal cells from multiplying.

There’s no set timeline, as it may take years for early cellular changes to become serious and cause symptoms. As a result, this slow and quiet growth makes early detection very difficult.

How fast does ovarian cancer spread?

Once ovarian cancer starts to grow, it doesn’t always stay confined to the ovaries. It can spread (metastasise) to other parts of the pelvis and abdomen. Small cancer cells can break off and attach to nearby organs like the bladder, liver, or intestines. 

Based on the FIGO staging system (International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics), doctors classify ovarian cancer into four main stages based on how far it has spread:

Stage I

The cancer is limited to one or both ovaries. At this early stage, the cancer hasn’t spread to nearby organs, tissues, or lymph nodes. Some patients may not show any symptoms or may only experience mild bloating or pelvic pain.

Stage II

The cancer has spread from the ovaries to other organs within the pelvis, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, or bladder. Symptoms might become more noticeable, including:

• Abdominal pain

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits

• Feeling of fullness even after eating small amounts

If you notice any of these unusual symptoms, don’t wait! Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today to receive evaluation and care tailored to your needs.

Stage III

At this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen (called the peritoneum) or to nearby lymph nodes. Tiny tumours, called peritoneal implants, may appear on the surface of abdominal organs like the intestines or diaphragm. 

This is often when ovarian cancer is first diagnosed, as symptoms like persistent bloating, nausea, and fatigue become more severe.

Stage IV

This is the most advanced stage. The cancer has spread to distant organs outside the abdomen, such as the lungs or the inside of the liver. Fluids containing cancer cells may build up around the lungs (a condition called pleural effusion), leading to shortness of breath. 

Other symptoms may include: 

• Unexplained weight loss

• Severe fatigue

• Overall decline in health.

In severe cases, the disease can progress from Stage I to Stage III in just a few months. In slower cases, it may take several years. The hardest part is that symptoms often don’t appear until the cancer has already advanced.

Early warning signs and when to see a doctor

In the beginning, ovarian cancer usually doesn’t cause strong or specific symptoms. Most early signs resemble common digestive or hormonal issues. Still, your body often gives you subtle clues when something isn’t right.

Common early symptoms include:

• Persistent abdominal swelling or bloating

• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate

• Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite

• Unexplained fatigue or low energy

• Sudden weight changes

These symptoms might come and go for months, making them easy to dismiss as stress, menopause, or dietary issues. If any of these last more than two weeks, you should see a doctor.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound, CT scan, or CA-125 blood test. None of these can confirm cancer on their own, but they can help detect problems early.

• Pelvic Examination:

  • A pelvic exam can help a doctor feel for any masses or abnormalities on the ovaries or other pelvic organs.

• Ultrasound:

  • Can reveal unusual growths, cysts, or fluid build-up, but it cannot confirm if they are cancerous

• CT scan:

  • CT scan helps doctors see the size and spread of a tumour but cannot tell if it’s malignant or benign.

• CA-125 blood test:

  • The blood test measures the level of CA-125, a protein that may be higher in women with ovarian cancer but can also rise from non-cancerous causes like menstruation, endometriosis, or pelvic infections.

Together, these tests give doctors a clearer picture of what’s happening and help them decide if more testing is needed.

How do doctors monitor the growth of ovarian cancer?

When doctors suspect ovarian cancer, they run several tests to determine how far it has spread and how fast it’s growing:

• Imaging scans:

  • To visualise the tumor and measure its size

• Blood tests:

  • To check for tumor markers that may rise as cancer progresses

• Biopsy or surgery:

  • To confirm the stage and type of cancer

After diagnosis, your doctor monitors tumour growth and treatment response with regular imaging and blood tests. This helps them adjust treatment as needed and detect relapses early.

If you notice persistent symptoms or want a thorough screening, schedule a consultation with our women’s cancer specialist at Thomson Medical today. Early assessment can make all the difference in protecting your health.

How is ovarian cancer treated?

Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on the type, stage, and your overall health. Most patients receive a combination of the following treatment options:

• Surgery:

  • It removes as much of the tumour as possible, often including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and nearby tissue

• Chemotherapy:

  • Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is commonly used to kill remaining cancer cells or shrink tumours before surgery

• Targeted therapy:

  • It focuses on specific genes or proteins that help cancer grow

  • It is often used when standard chemotherapy isn’t enough

• Radiation therapy:

  • It targets specific areas of cancer spread or helps manage symptoms

• Hormonal therapy:

  • It slows the growth of ovarian cancers that respond to hormones

• Clinical trials:

  • It offer access to new and emerging treatments that aren’t yet widely available, giving eligible patients more options

Your doctor will recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your diagnosis and recovery goals.

Can you stop or slow the growth of ovarian cancer?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, but you can lower your risk and increase your chances of catching it early:

• Know your family history:

  • You may be at higher risk for ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer if someone in your family has had it. 

  • Ask your doctor about genetic testing for BRCA mutations.

• Get regular screenings if you’re high-risk:

  • Not everyone needs the same screenings, but those at higher risk may benefit from more frequent pelvic exams or ultrasounds.

• Hormones and birth control:

  • Taking birth control pills as prescribed may lower your risk by reducing how often you ovulate

• Maintain healthy habits:

  • Eating well, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can strengthen your immune system and overall health, helping your body control abnormal cell growth.

• Listen to your body:

  • Don’t ignore symptoms that persist. Even if cancer isn’t the cause, early detection of any issue always leads to better outcomes.

FAQ

How long can ovarian cancer go undetected?

People can have ovarian cancer for years without knowing it because its symptoms resemble common digestive or hormonal issues. Many women aren’t diagnosed until it’s already spread beyond the ovaries. Regular pelvic exams and paying attention to persistent bloating, pain, or appetite changes can help catch it sooner.

Does ovarian cancer spread quickly or slowly?

It depends on the type. Most ovarian cancers, especially epithelial ones, grow slowly over several years. Some germ cell tumours, which are more aggressive, can spread within months. Your immune system, hormones, and genetics also influence growth rate.

Can ovarian cancer develop in a year?

Yes, in some cases. Most ovarian tumours grow over several years, but certain aggressive types can spread in less than a year, especially in people with BRCA mutations or weaker immune systems. That’s why regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor are vital.

How long does it take for ovarian cancer to reach Stage 4?

There’s no exact timeline. Slow-growing cancers may take years to reach Stage 4, while fast-growing ones can get there in under a year. Many cases are diagnosed late because symptoms appear only in advanced stages. Early monitoring can help delay or prevent this progression.

Can early-stage ovarian cancer cause symptoms?

Can ovarian cancer return after treatment?

Yes, especially in advanced cases. Small cancer cells can remain dormant and regrow even after surgery and chemotherapy. Regular imaging and blood tests are needed to detect recurrence early.

Can diet or lifestyle make ovarian cancer grow faster?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.

References

How long does ovarian cancer take to grow? (2025, June 26). Professor Andreas Obermair Gynaecological Oncology and Pelvic Surgery. https://www.obermair.info/latest-news/blog/how-long-does-ovarian-cancer-take-to-grow/

What is Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Detection, and Treatment. (n.d.). The University of Kansas Cancer Center. https://www.kucancercenter.org/news-room/blog/2020/08/what-is-ovarian-cancer-symptoms-treatment