What are ovarian cancer symptoms?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the ovaries, which produce a woman’s eggs and reproductive hormones.

Although ovarian cancer is not common, it is responsible for more deaths than other types of reproductive cancers in women.

Ovarian cancer often shows no signs until more advanced stages, when it has spread from the ovaries into the pelvis and abdomen. Once it is at this stage, it is more difficult to treat and is often terminal. In the earlier stages, when the cancer remains only in the ovaries, it is more treatable.

Some women who have a family history of ovarian cancer may be at higher risk for developing this disease. In some cases, a genetic mutation may greatly increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer or certain other types of cancers. For this reason, women with a family history may wish to seek genetic testing to understand their risk level for ovarian cancer.

Even in later stages, the symptoms of ovarian cancer may be vague and easily confused with other common conditions. These symptoms may include the following:

swelling or bloating of the abdomen;
discomfort, pain or a “heavy feeling” in the pelvic area;
weight loss or weight gain without explanation;
worsening back pain with no clear cause;
changes in bowel movements, such as constipation;
vaginal bleeding;
gas, nausea, vomiting or lack of appetite; and
changes or abnormalities in menstrual periods.

There are various ways that doctors diagnose ovarian cancer. These include a pelvic examination, imaging tests such as CT scans or ultrasounds, and blood tests. Treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves the surgical removal of both ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and surrounding lymph nodes. Chemotherapy usually is also part of the treatment of ovarian cancer.

References:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ovariancancer.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/basics/symptoms/con-20028096