Ovarian cancer is the result of tissues in the ovaries developing genetic mutations. In the case of cancer, these mutations cause the cells to divide more rapidly than normal and to be able to invade other tissues. Most of these mutations are "random" and are not hereditary, although there are some genetic factors that predispose women to developing ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Staging
Ovarian cancer is typically divided into four different stages (I to IV) based on how far the cancer has spread. In Stage I, the cancer is limited to one or both of the ovaries. With Stage II ovarian cancer, the disease has spread to other organs within the pelvis (such as the uterus, bladder, fallopian tubes or the sigmoid colon). Stage III cancer involves spread to either the lymph nodes or the lining of the abdomen. In Stage IV, the cancer has spread either to the liver, the lungs, or other tissues outside of the abdominal cavity.
Stage I Symptoms
Stage I ovarian cancer is also called early stage cancer. The most common symptoms of early stage ovarian cancer are bloating and feelings of abdominal fullness as well as pain in the abdomen or the lower parts of the sides. Many patients with Stage I cancer have no symptoms, however.
Stage II and III
Symptoms of Stages II and III typically are caused by the cancer infiltrating the pelvis. These symptoms include irregular menstrual periods as well as more frequent urination, constipation (from compression of the colon), and a swollen abdomen. Stage II and III disease can also cause pain in the abdomen (especially the lower part), back pain and pain during sex.
Stage IV Symptoms
With advanced ovarian cancer, the cancer has spread throughout the body, which can cause symptoms that affect the whole body. Examples include extreme fatigue, nausea and a loss of the appetite. Sudden and unexplained weight loss is another symptom of advanced disease. Other symptoms include severe abdominal pain, constipation and shortness of breath.
Difficulty of Diagnosis Based on Symptoms
One of the difficulties of diagnosing ovarian cancer early is the lack of specificity in its symptoms, especially in Stages I to III. Many of the symptoms (such as bloating, abdominal pain, and feeling full soon after eating) can be caused by many other, less serious conditions. As a result, by the time ovarian cancer is suspected, the disease may have already spread to other organs. In the event that these symptoms are very severe, are present for a long period of time, or get markedly worse, a visit to a doctor to receive a physical (and pelvic exam) is warranted.
