Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer And Uterine Fibroids

Ovarian cancer and uterine fibroids are two medical conditions that have overlapping symptoms, making self-diagnosis a tricky endeavor at best. However, you have little to lose by going to a doctor if you believe you are suffering from either condition, as both are medically threatening--whereas ovarian cancer can take your life, uterine fibroids can cause reproductive complications. Thus, it would behoove you to act as soon as possible if you believe you are suffering from either condition.

Abdominal Fullness or Heaviness

• Feelings of fullness or heaviness in your abdomen, especially your lower abdomen, can be cause for concern with both ovarian cancer and uterine fibroids. Transient abdominal heaviness, as after a large meal, is no real cause for alarm, but heaviness which persists for more than a few days or recurs with no explicable cause should prompt you to make an appointment with your physician.

Vaginal Bleeding

• Prolonged, unexplainable, or heavy vaginal bleeding, either during or outside your normal period, is a potential sign of either fibroids of ovarian cancer. Uterine fibroids often cause the passage of blood clots from the vagina, whereas cancer simply acts to cause bleeding outside of your regular period.

Pain

• Unusual pain during your periods or during intercourse is typically a sign of uterine fibroids. Cancer normally does not cause overt pain in the early stages, so if you are experience pain alongside other symptoms, you are likely to be suffering from fibroids.

Weight Flucutations

• Unanticipated or unexplainable weight gain or loss can be a sign of ovarian cancer, but not uterine fibroids. Small fluctuations in weight are to be expected on a day to day basis (less than five pounds), but large amounts of weight gained or lost (more than 10 pounds) should be cause for alarm.