Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer has been called as silent killer since long time as it is one of the cancers that rarely have any early symptoms. It is usually detected in its advanced stages when the cancer spreads to other parts of the abdomen. The diagnosis of ovarian cancer is very difficult since the ovary can grow in the abdominal cavity, form a big mass and progress, which is not even noticeable to the patient. But recent studies suggests that they are certain early symptoms of ovarian cancer. The detection of the ovarian cancer in its early stages makes a vast difference as it can reduce death rates up to 90 percent.

Since the symptoms of ovarian cancer may vary with women and can also affect only few women, it is necessary for the women to have a full knowledge regarding the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Given below are some of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer, hopefully they will help you in early detection.

• Abdominal Pain or abdominal bloating: One of the early symptoms of the ovarian cancer is the abdominal pain. Abdominal pain is caused due to the pressure from the tumor or from the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen provoked by the tumor's presence.
• Urinary incontinence or urinary urgency: Urinary incontinence is also considered to be one of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer. It is caused due to the pressing of the tumor on the bladder, which causes increased pressure within the abdomen, prompting urine loss.
• Digestive problems: Digestive problems like indigestion, gas, stomach pain, constipation and bloating can also be considered as the early symptoms of ovarian cancer. Though these symptoms may be caused due to other conditions, you should not ignore them, as they may be early indications of ovarian cancer.
• Pelvic or back pain
• Leg pain
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Fatigue

Some types of ovarian cancer can rapidly spread to the surface of the nearby organs therefore early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is necessary. But in some cases the early symptoms of ovarian cancer are very unclear. The ovarian cancer can be screened using transvaginal sonography and blood tests. However, transvaginal sonography only helps in finding a mass in the ovary, but doesn't help in detecting whether it is cancerous.

Blood tests for detection of ovarian cancer may include measurement of the CA 125 levels. Women with ovarian cancer have high amount of CA 125 in the blood. But some non-cancerous diseases of the ovaries can also have increased amounts of CA 125 levels. Therefore if the test comes positive it should be immediately followed by transvaginal ultrasound test.

The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer, which can be experienced in later stages include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal, pelvic and back pain
• Frequent urination
• Irregular Menstration [Menstruation]
• Pain or bleeding during intercourse
• Feeling of fullness even after a small meal
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Gastrointestinal problems like indigestion, gas and nausea
• Changes in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea
• Abnormal postmenopausal bleeding

So these were some of the early and common symptoms of ovarian cancer. If you experience any of the above symptoms immediately contact you health care provider. Remember one thing, early the detection of the disease, higher is the possibility of cure.