Health & Care Information Learn Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer, which is the Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women. It is a cancerous growth of cells in the ovary. At initial stages symptoms do not exist or patient have very minor symptoms therefore, Ovarian cancer remains undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. At this late stage it is very difficult to treat ovarian cancer and is often fatal.
Ovarian cancer can occur in several different parts of the ovary but Most common areas where cancerous growth occurs are ovary’s germ cells, stromal cells or epithelial cells. Germ cells are responsible for the development of eggs. Stromal cells works like a connective tissue.They make up most of the ovary. Epithelial cells are mostly present in the outer surface of the ovary.
Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Below are some major signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer that every woman should know:
Abdominal pressure
When ovarian cancer spreads to larger area of ovary or it becomes mature, it exerts pressure to abdominal wall and others nearby areas due to which woman feels abdominal pressure.But this symptom does not appear during initial stages of ovarian cancer due to its small size.
Pelvic discomfort or pain
Ovarian cancer causes pelvic discomfort or pain due to uncontrolled growth of epithelial cells of ovary that put pressure on pelvic area.The intensity of pain is directly proportional to size of tumor.
Changes in bowel habits
Ovarian cancer may cause changes i bowel habits like constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramps or bloating.
Changes in bladder habits
Women suffering from ovarian cancer have urinary urgency problem.This may be due to pressure exerted by tumor on bladder wall.
Abdominal fullness
Ovarian cancer causes abdominal fullness due to which woman feels loss of appetite or quickly feeling full.
Increased abdominal girth
Increased abdominal girth in women may be due to ovarian cancer that causes tightening of clothes around your waist.In ovarian cancer abdominal girth increases due to uncontrolled growth of epithelial cells of ovary.These cancerous cells put pressure in nearby areas like abdominal wall, pelvic area and bladder wall which causes disorientation of figure around your waist.
Lack of Energy
women suffering from ovarian cancer feels fatigue after doing little exertion.
Other Symptoms
Below are some other signs and symptoms that may also be experienced by woman due to ovarian cancer. If you have these symptoms for longer than two weeks, you should seek medical attention:
- Lower back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Fatigue
- Change in menstrual cycle
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Vaginal bleeding
- Acne
- Back pain that worsens
Ovarian Cancer Signs and Symptoms Q/A
Below are the answers to some of the frequently asked question by our readers about the signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer.
Does Ovarian Cancer Cause Weight Gain?
Weight Gain is not common in ovarian cancer patient and doctors usually look for other more abevious systems of ovarian cancer like bloating, pelvic pressure, abdominal pain, increased abdominal size, and/or difficulty eating. But Ovarian Cancer can cause weight gain or in some cases weight loss. National Institutes of Health and other oncologist groups list weight gain or weight loss as a possible symptoms for ovarian cancer. However, Weight Gain is still not considered as an early stage symptom of Ovarian Cancer.
Is Indigestion an Ovarian Cancer Sign?
Yes, Indigestion and Ovarian Cancer are related. Most women with ovarian cancer have initially less serious conditions including indigestion and general abdominal discomfort. Since, Ovarian Cancer’s initial symptoms are similar to gastrointestinal illness and indigestion, you should consult your doctor for further diagnose.
Is it a Symptom of Ovarian Cancer to have Low back pain?
Since early ovarian cancer at early stages often causes no symptoms, it is hard to know when you should be concerned. The symtom of ovarian cancer to have low back pain is also common among patints. But there are other medical conditions that can cause low back pain, so it should not be confused and a final diagnosis can only be made after through screening.
If you have a question about the Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer, please feel free to ask using the comment box below.
