Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the ovary. It used to be known as a 'silent killer' or a symptomless disease but recent research has shown evidence to the contrary. Now it is possible to detect ovarian cancer in the early stages on the basis of certain symptoms discussed below. Generally, it begins either in the cells on the surface of the ovaries (epithelial ovarian cancer) or in the egg cells themselves (germ cell tumor). The causes of ovarian cancer remains unknown in most of the cases and the risk of it increases in older women and those who have a first or second degree relative with the disease.

Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: This is one of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer. The patient feels chronic pain in her stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder and pancreas, that can be intolerable at times. Making a definitive diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain can be difficult as many diseases can result due to this symptom.

Pelvic Pain: Pelvic pain is another common symptom reported by most of the women suffering from ovarian cancer. However again such pain can be caused by various other factors like improper sitting positions and lack of exercise, etc.

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the bleeding when menstrual period is not expected or due to occur. In case of ovarian cancer, there is a possibility that the menstrual flow is lighter or heavier than what is normal for the patient.

Nausea: Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach, which makes one feel that he / she is about to vomit. Sometimes it becomes necessary to control nausea and vomiting by medication, because in severe cases, the patient can suffer from dehydration. In such a condition, intravenous fluid may need to be administered to replace fluid volume. A woman suffering from ovarian cancer often feels nauseous.

Constipation: A person is said to be suffering from constipation if he or she is having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. The stools during constipation are usually hard, dry, small in size and difficult to eliminate. Constipation is a symptom, not a disease, which causes the patient to have painful bowel movements. Constipation is usually temporary and not serious, however, the symptom should not be neglected. It is important to understand the cause and consult a doctor for diagnosis.

Loss of Appetite: A patient suffering from ovarian cancer might refuse to take regular meals. Her appetite may get reduced significantly in due course of time becoming a problem. A doctor should be consulted if it persists for a long time.

Unusual Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Dyspareunia is a terminology given to painful sexual intercourse, and it is reported by many patients suffering from ovarian cancer. A patient can suffer from it because of her medical or psychological conditions. The pain often results in degradation of patient's sexual health, which in turn may lead to lack of interest in sexual activities.

Persistent Lack of Energy: A patient suffering from this cancer might often feel lethargic and finds it difficult to carry out normal day-to-day work. The patient might also complain of specific work-induced burning sensation within her muscles.

Changes in Menstrual Cycle: Irregular menstrual cycles are also a symptom of ovarian cancer, however, it may be caused by various other factors too. If such condition persists for a longer period of time, a doctor should be consulted.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death from cancer in women and the risk of a woman suffering from it in her lifetime, is around 1.5 percent. The treatment includes surgery and chemotherapy, which is given according to the stage and the patient's condition.