Ovarian cancer is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it usually isn't diagnosed until after it has spread to other areas of the body. Most symptoms develop in the early stages and women who are made aware of the earliest signs and symptoms may prompt an earlier detection of ovarian cancer and can experience a higher survival rate.
Nonspecific Symptoms
Early symptoms of ovarian cancer may be vague or are nonspecific as reported by the Mayo Clinic. They may mimic digestive and bladder disorders. A misdiagnosis is made because these symptoms are found in relatively common conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, stress or depression. The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer don't vary on certain circumstances but are consistently present and slowly worsen.
Persistent Symptoms
Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating are symptoms consistently experienced in ovarian cancer. Trouble eating and feeling full quickly are also associated with this type of cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends reporting these symptoms to a health professional right away, especially if they are present daily and continue for more than a few weeks.
Other Symptoms
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports the symptoms that are commonly noted in women who have ovarian cancer are also symptoms seen in women who don't. Women may display the symptoms of persistent indigestion, gas or nausea. Common digestive disorders vary with specific situations or occur after consuming certain foods. When ovarian cancer is present, the symptoms don't fluctuate but remain constant and gradually worsen. Other symptoms include changes in bowel habits that are unexplained such as constipation, urinary changes including frequency and urgency, menstrual disturbances such as irregular cycles and vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse known as dyspareunia, persistent, low back pain with an unknown origin and weight gain or loss.
Symptom Detection
Ninety-three percent of women who heed the early warning signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may live longer than five years after diagnosis, states the American Cancer Society, while the cancer is still confined to an ovary. Only 20 percent of ovarian cancer is caught before it has spread beyond the ovary, reiterating the importance of early detection through symptom acknowledgment. If a doctor hasn't diagnosed ovarian cancer and the symptoms of the disease persist, the Mayo Clinic recommends a follow-up visit or scheduling an appointment for a second opinion, ensuring that a pelvic exam is part of the evaluation.
