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Ovarian Cancer Symptoms at Each Stage

According to the American Cancer Society, a woman has a 1 in 71 chance of developing ovarian cancer at some point during her life. Most women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are over age 55. Women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the early stages of the disease have a much better possibility of survival. Ovarian cancer is divided into four stages, during which the symptoms of ovarian cancer progressively get more noticeable and severe. Detecting ovarian cancer in the early stages can be difficult, because its symptoms may be mistaken for other medical conditions. Ovarian cancer symptoms generally stay constant and gradually worsen over time.

  1. Stage 1 Symptoms

    • Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer affects only the ovaries. Often there are no noticeable symptoms. Some women with Stage 1 ovarian cancer may feel some pain in the lower portion of the abdomen. Also, they may feel unusually bloated in the abdominal region.

    Stage 2 and 3 Symptoms

    • Stage 2 ovarian cancer affects the ovaries and other organs nearby, such as the Fallopian tubes, uterus, bladder, rectum and sigmoid colon. Stage 3 ovarian cancer affects the previously mentioned areas, along with the omentum and lymph nodes. During these stages, the presence of a tumor in the abdominal region is the cause of new symptoms. Symptoms may include pain in the lower abdominal region, back pain, irregular menstruation, frequent urination, chronic constipation, abdominal bloating and pain during intercourse.

    Stage 4 Symptoms

    • Stage 4 ovarian cancer affects the ovaries, pelvic region and has spread to other body organs such as the liver or lungs. At this point, the cancerous tumor is larger and is spreading throughout the abdominal region. Symptoms of Stage 4 ovarian cancer include poor appetite, severe abdominal swelling, chronic constipation, difficulty breathing and an overall sick feeling.

    Other Possible Symptoms

    • Women with ovarian cancer usually feel a persistent sensation of fullness or pressure in the abdominal region. They may also be perpetually bloated and may feel full after eating a smaller amount of food than usual. They may also experience frequent nausea and flatulence. The main difference between ovarian cancer and other conditions is that symptoms do not fluctuate.

    Treatment

    • Ovarian cancer is typically treated with chemotherapy and surgery. Ovarian cancer surgery usually involves removing the ovaries and other nearby structures such as the uterus and Fallopian tubes. In most cases, lymph nodes in the affected region and the omentum may also be removed. In some cases, a portion of the intestines may also be removed.

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