Ovarian cancer may cause only mild or nonspecific (usually nonspecific abdominal distress or fullness, back pain, or increasing girth) symptoms until the later stages. Most of the symptoms are due to a large tumor mass inside your pelvis.
Seventy-five percent of women with ovarian cancer will have stage three or greater at the time of diagnosis. Because of this, it is essential that women of all ages know what to look for so that early complaints can result in earlier diagnoses, earlier treatment, and better cure rates. It is also important to have regular pelvic examination because this may provide an early diagnosis even in the absence of any significant symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Abdominal discomfort and/or pain
- Gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating, or cramps
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or frequent urination
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling of fullness even after only a light meal
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Abnormal bleeding from the vagina
Note:
These symptoms may be caused by another, less serious health condition. If you have persistence of any of these symptoms, see your doctor.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Igor Puzanov, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.
Copyright © 2004 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
