Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is difficult to recognize because symptoms often do not occur until late in the disease. Most frequently, symptoms of ovarian cancer do not occur a tumor(s) has grown large enough to apply pressure to other organs in the abdomen, or until cancer has spread to other organs.

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague. Furthermore, symptoms of ovarian cancer can be due to many different conditions and may not be easy to spot. And symptoms of ovarian cancer can be related to other, much less serious conditions. The only early symptom of the disease is menstrual irregularity. However, there is more chance that symptoms are caused by cancer if they are new, severe, don't go away (persistent) or occur often. Symptoms of ovarian cancer that manifest later include the following:

• abdominal swelling
• abnormal hair growth
• abnormal puberty development(s)
• abnormal vaginal discharge
• abnormalities in menstruation
• ascites (collection of fluid in the abdomen)
• back pain
• bloating
• constipation
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• feeling full after eating little
• gas
• irregular menstruation
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• pain during intercourse
• pelvic pain or pressure
• upset stomach
• urinary frequency

When to seek help
Do not observe condition or symptoms without action if symptoms do not go away. If you are concerned about your symptoms and you have a higher risk for ovarian cancer, call and make an appointment with your doctor. See your doctor right away if you are experiencing the following symptoms that are not caused by constipation, lactose intolerance, or another harmless condition:

• abdominal pain
• bloating
• distension

Seek emergency help for any of the following symptoms:

• abdominal pain with fever
• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• continuous vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood)
• difficulty breathing
• severe abdominal pain

Because the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be mistaken for other conditions such as digestive problems, you need to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. But where does diagnosis begin? And which doctor should you see first? Read here to learn how to diagnose clear cell ovarian cancer and other types of ovarian cancer now.