Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can be very vague and insidious, which is why in many cases, diagnosis is not made until the cancer has progressed and become more difficult to treat effectively. Often subtle and easily confused with symptoms of other diseases, ovarian cancer can be misdiagnosed by doctors who are not adequately trained to identify the signs of this type of cancer. Women may not recognize ovarian cancer symptoms either, or even seek a medical evaluation until it’s too late, which is why it is so important to educate women as well as health care providers. According to various online sources, ovarian cancer is the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers, and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States.

The United States National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health features a service called Medline Plus, located at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/, which offers comprehensive information on ovarian cancer symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, and treatments. Common symptoms include pressure or bloating and/or pain in the abdomen, persistent digestive problems, constant and/or progressive changes in bowel and bladder patterns like frequency or urgency, ongoing excessive fatigue, abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, or unexplained weight loss or gain. Diagnosis can be determined by various methods, such as regular pelvic exams, ultrasound, CA125 serum blood test that shows tumor markers, or exploratory laparotomy, which allows examination of the abdominal cavity. Unfortunately, the tumor has often spread beyond the ovaries by the time obvious symptoms are present. At this time, more extensive surgery is required to confirm diagnosis and determine the extent or stage of the cancer, and treatment options like chemotherapy and radiation.

Ovarian cancer is very treatable when detected early; recognition of ovarian cancer symptoms is the best and only way to save women’s lives. Unlike the Pap smear or mammogram, there is no reliable way to screen for this type of cancer. The exact cause is unknown, and there are many theories being discussed, such as the use of fertility drugs and the development of ovarian cancer symptoms later on, which is the subject of ongoing debate. Certain risk factors must also be taken into consideration; a personal or family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer, increasing age, and never having children are the most common. Increased awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms is the only way to combat this deadly disease, and save the lives of women around the world.

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