Ovarian cancer is one of the most concerning cancers that women dread. Women are more likely to experience the symptoms once the disease spreads, even though early stage ovarian cancer can cause them. Because the ovaries are located deep within the abdominal cavity, it is difficult to detect. However, when symptoms are persistent and do not resolve, it is important for a woman to consult with her physician. The following symptoms are relevant when diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Persistent bloating
Feeling bloated for three weeks or more is a sign that you should consult with your physician. This might mean your stomach feeling and looking puffy, swollen and feeling quite hard. Persistently feeling bloated and full is the most common early sign of ovarian cancer. Bloating accompanied by abdominal distension (visible swelling in your stomach) is a sign that there may be an existing underlying problem.
Change in bladder function
The usual assumption is that urinary/pelvic pain is associated with a urinary tract infection, according to rush.edu. Specific urinary symptoms include pressure or pain in the bladder, frequent urination, and a random need to urinate without being able to control it. If these symptoms are new to you and last more than several days, it is important to visit your physician.
Decreased appetite/abdominal pain
Nausea, diminished appetite, or a “full stomach” sensation may be early signs of ovarian cancer, especially if a symptom for a prolonged period of time. Abdominal pain can be caused by cancerous masses placing pressure on stomach organs, causing it to ache and throb. Pain in the surrounding areas may result if the cancer has spread.
Fatigue
This can be caused by a lack of nutrients due to a decreased appetite. This can also be due to the cancer itself. Prolonged exhausting and weariness should not be ignored. Disturbed sleeps are another factor that goes unreported, due to the commonality of it. Some women tend to sleep too much, which is a problem as well.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
If you are past menopause and begin to experience vaginal bleeding, this is a severe sign that you should speak with your physician. Abnormal discharge, irregular period patterns, and pain are not normal. It is important to notice a difference in the severity of these symptoms since some are considered normal when a woman has her period.
Sources:
http://ovarian.org/about-ovarian-cancer/what-are-the-signs-a-symptoms
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html
https://eveappeal.org.uk/gynaecological-cancers/ovarian-cancer/bloating-ovarian-cancer-questions-answered/
https://www.rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/5-early-signs-ovarian-cancer
https://share.upmc.com/2018/11/signs-of-ovarian-cancer/
