Ovarian cancer is often called a silent killer because the symptoms are generally non-specific and can be attributed to a number of illnesses. This is the reason that only 19 percent of ovarian cancer cases, according to the American Cancer Society, are diagnosed in the early stages. There are signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, however, that if paid attention to, can help lead to an early diagnosis and increase the chances of survival.
Abdominal Pressure
Consistently feeling abdominal pressure, including bloating, swelling and a general feeling of fullness, is often one of the most experienced symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition to feeling the pressure, patients might have persistent indigestion or gas. Patients often have nausea with or without vomiting, and unexplained changes in their bowel habits such as frequent constipation.
Weight changes are also common as patients will experience a loss of appetite. The abdominal pressure also creates a feeling of being full, even when little food is ingested. Although the patient may lose weight, they may notice their clothes feeling tighter due to an increase in abdominal girth caused by the tumor.
Urinary
The tumors of ovarian cancer can affect the urinary system. Patients may feel they need to urinate frequently or urgently. These symptoms might be accompanied by bladder discomfort and result in scanty urine output.
Pelvic Discomfort
Patients with ovarian cancer often complain about feeling general pain or discomfort in the pelvic region. They will often experience pain during sexual intercourse, medically known as dyspareunia. The pelvic discomfort might also cause lower back pain.
Other
There are a variety of other symptoms that patients with ovarian cancer might experience. They can feel a general lack of energy. Changes in menstrual cycles, or experiencing bleeding between cycles, according to the National Institute of Health, is another symptom and one that is often ignored by women.
The abnormal or excessive growth of hair, known as hirsutism, might also indicate the presence of ovarian cancers. This excessive growth of hair occurs due to an increase in the production of androgens, or male hormones, which can be caused by the tumor on the ovary.
