There is no standard screening test for ovarian cancer. If you have any signs or symptoms of ovarian cancer, your doctor will order a pelvic exam and may do a biopsy.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are usually vague and can mimic common conditions. Often, the disease is diagnosed only in its later stages.
Pain or Discomfort
Most ovarian cancer symptoms don’t show up until the tumor has reached an advanced stage. As a result, it’s important for women to pay attention to their bodies and seek medical care if they experience any changes, especially in the pelvic region.
One of the first signs of ovarian cancer that many women notice is pain in their lower abdomen, or in their pelvic area. This symptom may also be accompanied by a feeling of tightness or fullness in the stomach area, indigestion and an increased need to pass gas. In some cases, bloating can lead to a condition called ascites, where the buildup of fluid in the abdomen can place pressure on other organs like the liver, spleen or bowel.
The fluid buildup associated with bloating may also compress the bladder, causing an increased urge to urinate. In some cases, this can be followed by a sensation of being full quickly, or by only noticing a trickle (or nothing) come out when you pee.
If the ovarian cancer spreads to the wall of the intestines, it can cause tissue damage that leads to a condition called bowel perforation. This can lead to bowel contents leaking into the abdominal cavity, which causes an infection known as peritonitis. In some cases, this can be a life-threatening situation and requires immediate surgery.
In some cases, ovarian cancer may spread to the lungs and chest. This can cause pain in the side of the body or in the pelvic area, or it may cause a cough that’s worse when you inhale. It can also cause a thick fluid to build up between the membranes that line the lungs, which is called malignant pleural effusion.
Abdominal Discomfort
Women with ovarian cancer often complain of pain in the pelvic area and abdomen. This discomfort may be related to a tumor pushing on organs, nerves or blood vessels. It may also be caused by a change in the way your body digests food, such as diarrhea or constipation. It is important to seek medical attention if you have persistent abdominal pain, especially if it does not go away.
This discomfort may also be the result of a buildup of fluid in your pelvic area, called ascites. This fluid can cause you to feel bloated and have trouble swallowing, making you feel full quickly after eating. It can also cause a loss of appetite and weight changes.
While it is common for women to experience this discomfort before and during their periods, it should be taken seriously if it persists or becomes progressively worse. Cancer cells can also irritate the bladder, which can lead to frequent and urgent need to pee. It may even become painful while urinating.
Other signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include a change in your menstrual cycles, abnormal bleeding and unexplained fatigue or weakness. These are all important signs to look for and report to your doctor, particularly if they occur daily or almost every day. If you are concerned, ask your healthcare provider to do a pelvic exam, ultrasound or a blood test to check for an elevated level of the ovarian cancer marker CA-125. It is essential to diagnose ovarian cancer early to maximize your chances of survival. Women who are at high risk of ovarian cancer include those with certain mutations in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 and those who have Lynch syndrome.
Loss of Appetite
Women with ovarian cancer often experience a loss of appetite. This may be a result of the disease or its treatments, such as chemotherapy. If you’re experiencing a loss of appetite that doesn’t go away, it’s important to let your doctor know.
Abdominal or pelvic bloating is another symptom of ovarian cancer. This symptom may be caused by the buildup of fluid in your abdomen (ascites), which can put pressure on other organs like the bowel and cause changes in digestion. You may also have other bowel-related symptoms, such as constipation.
Typically, the bloating is a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). But if you’re noticing that your bloating occurs outside of your menstrual cycle, it’s worth getting it checked out. You should also make an appointment to discuss it with your doctor if you’re experiencing other ovarian cancer symptoms, such as fatigue.
Fatigue associated with ovarian cancer is different than normal tiredness. It’s more persistent and doesn’t go away with a good night of sleep or a cup of coffee. It’s a sign that cancer cells are competing with healthy ones for energy.
If your ovarian cancer is in its early stages, you may not have any signs or symptoms. Symptoms only appear as the cancer gets bigger and causes other changes in your body.
There is no screening test for ovarian cancer, so recognizing the signs of the disease is important. You can help prevent ovarian cancer by taking a variety of precautions, including using the birth control pill for several years, having your fallopian tubes tied or removed and not having children until you’re over 35. It’s also recommended that you talk to your doctor about genetic testing and cancer risk assessment.
Abdominal Bloating
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably to form a tumor. It usually starts in one ovary, but it can also spread to the surrounding tissues or even to other parts of the body.
In the early stages of ovarian cancer, many women don’t have any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can be vague and similar to those of other common illnesses. As the ovarian cancer progresses, the signs and symptoms become more noticeable.
Abdominal bloat is the result of a buildup of fluid in your abdomen. It may feel full or tight in the lower part of your stomach (abdomen) and can lead to indigestion, gas or an increased need to pass stools. In some cases, the fluid buildup can put extra pressure on your organs, such as the lungs and liver. This can cause shortness of breath.
In addition to abdominal bloating, you may experience pain in the pelvis or side. You may also have an increased frequency of urination or a change in how often you urinate. Some women have abnormal vaginal bleeding or a missed menstrual period.
If you think you have ovarian cancer, your doctor will do pelvic examinations to look for an enlarged ovary. Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In stage IC disease, cancer cells are in the capsule of an ovary or in a collection of fluid in the abdomen (called peritoneal fluid). In stage IV ovarian cancer, cancer has spread outside the pelvis to other places, such as the lungs or the inner part of the liver. Sometimes, if the cancer is in the late stages, a sample of blood or fluid from the abdomen or chest (called a biopsy or paracentesis) is removed for testing.
Abdominal Discharge
Ovarian cancer occurs when cells from an ovary become abnormal and develop into a tumor. The ovaries are 2 small organs in the pelvis that make female hormones and produce eggs for reproduction. The ovaries are connected to the fallopian tubes and the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). The most common type of ovarian cancer is epithelial ovarian cancer. The other types include germ cell tumors, stromal tumors and ovarian sarcomas.
Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the cancer. Earlier stages may have no symptoms or very vague ones such as pain or bloating. Later stages may be more pronounced and painful or lead to symptoms related to the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body such as shortness of breath in ovarian cancer that has spread to the lungs.
Women who have certain risk factors for ovarian cancer are more likely to get the disease. These include age (over 50), a family history of the disease, having the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations or having Lynch syndrome.
A woman who has symptoms of ovarian cancer should see her doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms are similar to those of other health conditions and a medical evaluation is the only way to confirm if the symptom is related to ovarian cancer. These symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, changes in the menstrual cycle or unusual bleeding, a feeling of fullness after eating and a change in weight (gaining or losing). It is also important to tell your doctor if you have had any other health concerns. Women with these symptoms should be evaluated for ovarian cancer based on the results of imaging tests and a physical exam.
