Signs and Symptoms Associated with Ovarian Cancer

Jul 3, 2011
Lalitha Goteti

A Pathological Specimen of Ovarian Cancer - Wikimedia Commons

Ovarian cancer, often termed a "silent killer," is the fifth most common cancer in women. Pelvic pain and difficulty eating are some of its symptoms.

Cancer arises in the ovaries, i.e. in the female reproductive organs that produce eggs. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women. It usually affects women who have reached their menopause. Though it can occur in younger women, about 90% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are over the age of 45.

The risk of ovarian cancer is lower in a woman who has more children or who gives birth to her children early in her life. For a small number of ovarian cancer cases, certain gene defects (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are responsible. The risk for ovarian cancer increases in women with a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Types of ovarian cancer

There are two main types of ovarian cancer: epithelial and non-epithelial. The most common is epithelial ovarian cancer that affects the lining of the ovaries. There are several different types of epithelial ovarian cancer including the two most common, serous and endometrioid types.

Non-epithelial ovarian cancer is much less common and includes germ cell cancers that form from the cells in the ovary that make the eggs. These usually affect younger women.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

It is considered to be the “silent killer” as it is typically detected only after it has spread beyond the ovary, making it difficult to treat. Early detection may increase the chances of survival. According to the American Cancer Society, the following are the most common early symptoms of ovarian cancer:

bloating;
frequent urination;
pelvic pain or abdominal discomfort;
difficulty eating; and
feeling full quickly.

Although the above mentioned are relatively common and may occur with any number of ailments, the cancer groups recommend a woman to see a gynecologist when their occurrence is unusual, observed almost daily, and last for more than a few weeks.

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

fatigue;
backache;
persistent indigestion;
nausea;
change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea;
gastric problems;
pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia); and
weight loss.

Less common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

abnormal vaginal bleeding (heavy periods, or bleeding after menopause); and
swelling in the abdomen which may be due to a buildup of fluid (ascites), thereby causing shortness of breath.

Most symptoms of ovarian cancer are nonspecific. Often, a woman with ovarian cancer may be diagnosed with another condition because of these nonspecific symptoms. Common misdiagnoses include irritable bowel syndrome, stress, and depression. Ovarian cysts and non-cancerous growths also cause the same symptoms as ovarian cancer.