Ovarian cancer is staged surgically. There should be histologic confirmation of the disease. Operative findings, prior to tumor debulking, determine stage, which may be modified by histopathologic as well as clinical or radiological evaluation. Laparotomy and resection of the ovarian mass, as well as hysterectomy, form the basis for staging. Biopsies of all suspicious sites, such as omentum, mesentery, liver, diaphragm, pelvic and paraaortic nodes, are required. The final histologic findings after surgery (and cytologic ones when available) are to be considered in the staging. Clinical studies include routine radiology of the chest. Imaging studies and serum tumor markers may be helpful in both initial staging and follow-up of the tumors.