Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

 

 

Tragically, only a mere 20 percent of ovarian cancer cases are detected early enough for the disease to be treated effectively. In our commitment to raising awareness, we elucidate the 15 early warning signs of this insidious ailment that disproportionately claims the lives of women.

Abdominal Pain:
The experience of pain in the pelvic region or abdomen, distinctly different from the usual sensations of indigestion or menstrual discomforts such as cramps, can be a tell-tale sign of ovarian cancer. A majority of patients report a nagging abdominal pain that lingers for more than two weeks, a pain that is not connected to their menstrual cycle, gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea, or common illnesses such as the stomach flu.

Indigestion:
A persistent state of indigestion, characterized by gas, nausea, and other gastrointestinal troubles like heartburn, is a common and enduring symptom in cases of ovarian cancer.

Loss of Appetite:
A sudden and uncharacteristic loss of appetite is known to be triggered by ovarian cancer, as the disease adversely affects metabolism - the complex process of converting food into energy that fuels the body.

Bloating:
A frequent and enduring bloating or gas pain in the abdomen or pelvic area that refuses to subside is another symptom indicative of ovarian cancer. For example, a noticeable bloating of the abdomen to the extent that clothes begin to feel tighter around the waist, without any changes in diet or physical activity, should be considered a valid reason to consult a doctor.

Urinary Frequency:
Urinary issues, such as an overpowering and sudden urge to urinate and an increase in the frequency of urination, are potential indicators of ovarian cancer. This may include episodes of incontinence (a complete loss of bladder control before reaching a bathroom) that progressively worsen over a period of weeks.

Feeling Full Quickly:
In advanced stages of ovarian cancer, the tumor itself may exert pressure on the stomach, the omentum (a fold in the abdominal cavity linking the stomach with other organs), or the intestines. This pressure can lead to a condition known as "early satiety," where patients feel full unusually quickly while eating.

Alternating Constipation and Diarrhea:
Ovarian cancer often goes hand in hand with alterations in bowel habits, including constipation and diarrhea. These changes typically occur when an ovarian tumor swells, exerting pressure on the stomach, bowel, and bladder.

Lower Back Pain:
A continuous, aching, dull pain in the lower back is a frequent sign of ovarian cancer. Many women describe this pain as akin to labor pain.

Sudden Weight Loss:
An unexpected loss of 10 or more pounds, without any active efforts through dieting or exercising, is a common warning sign in women with ovarian cancer. Despite being perceived by some as a fortuitous event, this rapid and unexplained weight loss should be promptly reported to a doctor.

Vaginal Bleeding:
A lesser-known but significant early warning sign of ovarian cancer, observed in approximately a quarter of affected women, is spotting or irregular vaginal bleeding outside the regular menstrual cycle. Additional vaginal abnormalities may include the sudden emergence of sores or blisters in the vaginal area, changes in skin color, or thick discharge.

Shortness of Breath:
Difficulty in breathing, also known as shortness of breath, is a symptom that unfortunately tends to manifest in the later stages of ovarian cancer, post metastasis. As the tumors grow in size, they may exert pressure on the lungs, hindering the breathing process.

The presence of cancer can also lead to the accumulation of fluid, termed ascites. This fluid builds up in the abdomen, exerting pressure on surrounding organs and muscles, including the diaphragm (the muscle responsible for opening the lungs to draw in air), thereby causing difficulty in breathing.

Pain During Intercourse:
Pain during intercourse, medically known as dyspareunia, is another early indicator of ovarian cancer. This pain is often more pronounced on one side than the other but can also be generalized. It may start during intercourse and persist for some time afterward. While dyspareunia can be symptomatic of other conditions, it is crucial to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Fatigue:
Fatigue, a symptom that can be attributed to a myriad of factors ranging from overexertion to excessive stress, is an easily overlooked warning sign of ovarian cancer. If rest and relaxation fail to alleviate this fatigue, it becomes imperative to inform your doctor.

This fatigue typically does not occur in isolation. It is important to be vigilant if this exhaustion or lack of energy is accompanied by other symptoms on this list, such as persistent abdominal pain, indigestion, and bloating.

Menstrual Irregularities:
Ovarian cancer can manifest in the form of menstrual irregularities beyond just vaginal bleeding outside the regular menstrual cycle. For instance, pain may occur shortly before or after the onset of your period. Ovarian tumors might also cause missed periods, sometimes for several consecutive months. While missed periods alone are not conclusive of ovarian cancer, if they occur in conjunction with other symptoms listed here, a doctor's appointment is advisable.

Dermatomyositis:
In less common instances, women with ovarian cancer may develop dermatomyositis, a rare inflammatory disease. Characterized by two distinctive symptoms, the first being changes in the skin, specifically a violet or red-colored rash that predominantly appears on the face and eyelids, as well as on knuckles, elbows, knees, chest, and back. The second symptom involves muscle weakness in areas such as the hips, shoulders, and neck, which progressively intensifies over time. While dermatomyositis often precedes a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, it can also develop subsequently.