Ovarian Cancer – Detection and Early Signs

It has often been called “The Silent Killer.” In the early, most manageable stages the symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and difficult to recognize. Because many of the symptoms afflicting women at risk are commonly attributed to other ailments, many patients and physicians have trouble distinguishing between a possible sign of cancer and less-dangerous conditions. Often this overlap leads to a diagnosis in a much later stage of the condition, greatly decreasing options for treatment.  This article from cancer.org sheds some light on some possible signs patients need to be aware of.

Ovarian cancer may cause several signs and symptoms. Women are more likely to have symptoms if the disease has spread beyond the ovaries, but even early stage ovarian cancer can cause them. The most common symptoms include:

·         Bloating

·         Pelvic or abdominal pain

·         Trouble eating or feeling full quickly

·         Urinary symptoms such as urgency (always feeling like you have to go) or frequency (having to go often)

These symptoms are also commonly caused by benign (non-cancerous) diseases and by cancers of other organs. When they are caused by ovarian cancer, they tend to be persistent and represent a change from normal − for example, they occur more often or are more severe. If a woman has these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks, she should see her doctor, preferably a gynecologist.

Others symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

·         Fatigue

·         Upset stomach

·         Back pain

·         Pain during sex

·         Constipation

·         Menstrual changes

·         Abdominal swelling with weight loss

However, these symptoms are more likely to be caused by other conditions, and most of them occur just about as often in women who don’t have ovarian cancer.

Physical exam

Your doctor will first take your history and do a physical exam to look for signs of ovarian cancer. These include finding an enlarged ovary (on a pelvic exam) and signs of fluid in the abdomen (which is called ascites).

If there is reason to suspect you have ovarian cancer based on your symptoms and/or physical exam, your doctor will order some tests to check further.

Consultation with a specialist

If your pelvic exam or other tests suggest that you have ovarian cancer, you will need a doctor or surgeon who specializes in treating women with this type of cancer. A gynecologic oncologist is an obstetrician/gynecologist who is specially trained in treating cancers of the female reproductive system. Treatment by a gynecologic oncologist helps ensure that you get the best kind of surgery for your cancer. It has also has been shown to help patients with ovarian cancer live longer. Anyone suspected of having ovarian cancer should see this type of specialist prior to surgery.

Though the warning signs of ovarian cancer may not be readily apparent, having a good idea of what signals to look out for will greatly increase your chances for early detection. If you experience any of the above symptoms for longer than two weeks, talk to you doctor.