Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women, and causes more deaths than any other female reproductive cancers, states MedlinePlus. The ovaries are a woman's reproductive organs and secrete the hormones estrogen and progesterone; the ovaries also produce eggs. For many years ovarian cancer was known as "the silent killer" because symptoms did not show up until the cancer was untreatable, according to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are common and nonspecific to the disease, but are now more commonly identified. MedlinePlus suggests seeking medical attention if symptoms occur on a daily basis for several weeks.
Abdominal Changes
Constant and gradually worsening abdominal pain and aches are signs of possible ovarian cancer. Fullness, bloating or swelling of the stomach can be present. The Merck Manual reports the abdominal discomfort may feel similar to indigestion. Clothing such as pants or skirts may not longer fit around the waist due to increased abdominal girth. During a physical exam, a medical doctor may palpate the abdomen to check for tumors or fluid build up, according to MedicineNet.com.
Urinary and Gastrointestinal Changes
A woman can feel the constant, frequent need to urinate with a great sense of urgency. Indigestion and gas are common. Difficulty passing stools, or extremely hard stools may occur. Still, extremely loose soft or loose stools may also be present. The symptoms generally mimic other digestive and urinary disorders; however, most symptoms from these disorders generally fluctuate. Symptoms associated with ovarian cancer generally last for several weeks and do no fluctuate in severity.
Appetite
A common sign of ovarian cancer is a sensation of fullness, or loss of appetite. The symptom occurs because the stomach is compressed, suggests the Merck Manual. A woman may have difficulty eating. Weight loss may occur due to decreased food intake.
