The ovaries are located near the intestines and bladder, on either side of the uterus. This is why ovarian cancer symptoms can mimic and be falsely identified as typical stomach or bladder issues. You may have heard that early signs of an ovarian cyst may indicate ovarian cancer. However, not all ovarian cysts develop into cancer.
Nonetheless, signs like bloating, fatigue, and back discomfort that appear to be minor inconveniences rather than cancer-warning symptoms can actually indicate the disease. Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries and can spread to the rest of the reproductive system if not identified early enough. This article discusses some major silent signs of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer often isn't discovered until it's advanced among many women. As a result, the survival rate for this form of cancer may be reduced. Therefore, it’s extremely important for women to watch out for early signs of ovarian cancer.
Let's take a deeper look at seven ovarian cancer warning symptoms that are frequently disregarded or overlooked.
Ovarian cancer can have multiple effects on your menstruation. It can cause:
Bloating that does not go away is a typical ovarian cancer symptom experienced by approximately 72% of ovarian cancer patients. Bloating is frequently caused by an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Changes in your abdominal blood supply and your body's ability to remove fluids play a part in this. This fluid buildup is a problem because free-floating cancer cells can migrate from one part of your body to another.
Pain in the belly and pelvis is one of the most commonly reported symptoms among people with ovarian cancer. Some people say it feels like they're under a lot of strain. Others have described it as feeling like menstrual cramps as if you're being grasped or squeezed from within.
About 20% of people with ovarian cancer experience constipation, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal changes. Ovarian cancer can also cause an increased need for frequent urination or a sensation of urgency about the need to urinate, along with a burning sensation during urination.
Speak with a healthcare expert if you haven't damaged your back or if your back pain isn't improving despite treatment. Ovarian cancer might manifest itself as lower back pain.
Ovarian cancer might cause a decrease in appetite in some persons. Others may have indigestion, nausea, or vomiting after consuming even tiny amounts of food. Unintentional weight loss might occur due to these appetite changes. It's not unusual for these symptoms to be mistaken as acid reflux or another digestive problem initially.
A less prominent symptom of ovarian cancer is pain during sex. Several additional conditions can cause it, including:
Watch out for cancer symptoms and get immediate medical help if you notice any symptoms. Always remember that the earlier ovarian cancer is detected, the higher are the chances of the treatment being successful.
Are you noticing any of the above signs of ovarian cancer, or have you been diagnosed with the same? Our medical team at Chesapeake Oncology-Hematology Associates is dedicated to offering the most effective possible treatment option possible to mitigate your ovarian cancer. Our treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and more. Make an appointment with us by visiting our website.
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