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Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Ovarian cancer presents very few early symptoms. Pain during sex, bloating, vaginal bleeding and nausea are some of the more obvious symptoms of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is generally treated with chemotherapy, but may also involve surgery depending on the stage of cancer you have when diagnosed.

  1. Early Symptoms

    • One of the dangers of ovarian cancer is that its symptoms do not present within the first 6 months to 1 year. Ovarian cancer can develop subtly, without many early warning signs. Because its early stages are without symptoms, it is that much more important to seek medical attention when symptoms do begin to present.

    Painful Symptoms

    • There are several symptoms of ovarian cancer that may cause pain or discomfort. Ongoing cramps in the belly or lower back are common symptoms. Another symptom is pain or discomfort during sex. People suffering from ovarian cancer may also experience nausea, especially when attempting to eat.

    Non-Painful Symptoms

    • There are several more subtle symptoms that do not involve pain or discomfort. These include changes in bowel habits, non-menstrual bleeding, discharge, bloating or feeling of a lump or pressure in the belly area, decreased energy level, and weight loss. Less common symptoms include shortness of breath and feeling the need to urinate often.

    Diagnosis

    • Doctors generally begin checking for ovarian cancer with a pelvic exam and pap test. A rectovaginal exam may also be necessary to feel pelvic organs. To further determine likeliness of ovarian cancer, doctors may perform a blood count and a chemistry screen, and/or a pelvic ultrasound. A CT scan or MRI may then be performed to check for spread of cancer.

    Treatment

    • Chemotherapy is generally recommended for all stages of ovarian cancer. If you have advanced ovarian cancer, doctors may perform a hysterectomy. There may also be surgeries involved to remove other tissue and nodes that may be cancerous. A hysterectomy will prevent the patient from being able to bear children in the future.

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