Ovarian cancer is a serious and life-threatening form of cancer that often goes undetected until the cancer is in its final stages. Because ovarian cancer is not tested for or detected with a routine Pap smear, it is difficult to get pre-screened for the disease. The main test for detecting the presence of ovarian cancer is called a CA-125 test. This test shows the cancer antigen-125, which is a protein that indicates whether ovarian cancer is present. This combined with an ultrasound and other blood work will help establish a diagnosis if symptoms are present.
Bloating
The Mayo Clinic states that an early symptom of ovarian cancer is bloating. This could be a feeling of discomfort or expansion in the stomach area. This is generally present at all times---not just after a large meal. The bloating can become so severe that the patient may appear to go up a dress size. The patient may also appear to be losing weight at the same time---making the bloating more prominent. Any type of sudden change in the stomach area that alters the appearance of the belly should be reported to a physician.
Pain
According to Johns Hopkins Pathology, pain is common in the early to progressive stages of ovarian cancer. Many women may even mistake the pain or discomfort with their monthly menstrual cycle. The pain may increase during the monthly cycle and bleeding may become heavier than usual. As the disease progresses, the pain will eventually get worse and be signified as a sharp piercing pain in the abdomen extending all the way to the lower back. Combined with the bloating, ovarian cancer often goes misdiagnosed as being a gastrointestinal problem or the inability to pass gas.
Urinary Problems
Early symptoms of ovarian cancer may include problems with the urinary system. Pain or pressure when urinating or the need to urinate more frequently than usual can be signs that ovarian cancer may be present. The Mayo Clinic, however, advises that urinary problems can be caused by a variety of other health issues such as urinary tract infections or underlying medical problems relating to renal insufficiency.
Digestive Problems
The American Cancer Society suggests that some digestive problems may be present with the onset of ovarian cancer. Trapped gas in the stomach can lead to pain and overall discomfort. Nausea and vomiting with difficulty keeping food down are all signs that something could be wrong in the abdominal area. Constipation and trouble passing a bowel movement could also indicate ovarian cancer---especially if there is no preexisting reason why the symptoms are occurring. While many of these symptoms are not exclusive to ovarian cancer, they play a role in the possible indication or presence of the onset of the disease.
