How are ovarian cancer symptoms detected?

Why does ovarian cancer have a poor prognosis?

Ovarian cancer does not produce specific symptoms that would clue doctors to this diagnosis. Most common symptoms include malaise, weakness, bloating, vague abdominal discomfort. There are no good blood markers that can diagnose ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is difficult to screen for ovarian cancer. By the time symptoms develop, quite often ovarian cancer can already be spread and metastasized.

Can ovarian cancer symptoms ease up at times?

Yes

Can Ovarian cancer cause right lower back and sciatic pain?

Sciatica and lower back pain are one of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer. This is a symptom that is often overlooked by many women.

Can ovarIAN cancer be picked up with cerVICAL cancer?

Ovarian cancer and cervical cancer have nothing in common other than the fact that they occur in the female reproductive tract. Cervical cancer can be detected early with pap smears and other screening tests, and prevented with HPV vaccine. There are few, if any, screening tests for ovarian cancer. Only hormonal contraception has been shown to lower the risk of ovarian cancer.

Will getting your tubes tied decrease risk of ovarian cysts?

Getting tubal ligation (your tubes tied) does reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 30% and higher. Ovarian cancer is a rare type of cancer that often presents symptoms in later stages.

What are the early symptoms for ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer has been known for a long time as The Silent Killer. You should always be aware of your body and any changes that start to occur. While that is not always the easiest thing to do, here is a website that will help you notice any of the early warning signs. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/News/ovarian-cancer-has-early-symptoms

What disease is labeled the silent killer?

Not a disease per say, the overconsumption of salt is often called the "silent killer".

Ovarian Cancer Signs and Symptoms?

Ovarian cancer starts in a woman's ovaries and often spreads to other places within the abdomen and pelvis if left undetected. Knowing and recognizing the symptoms of ovarian cancer are imperative in early detection. If caught at an early stage, curing ovarian cancer is more likely. Keep in mind, however, that ovarian cancer symptoms are quite vague and often resemble symptoms associated with other medical problems and diseases. Check with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and he or she will determine your next course of action.The symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are typically persistent and tend to get worse over time. The most common symptoms are:Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area on one or both sidesFullness, pressure, bloating or swelling in the abdomenPersistent gas, nausea or indigestionConstipation or other changes in normal bowel habitsFrequent urination or other changes in normal bladder habitsFeeling full quickly or loss of appetitePain in the lower backLack of energySome less common symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are:Feeling short of breathAbnormal vaginal bleedingVaginal bleeding after menopauseHeavy periodsKeep in mind that even if you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is not a guarantee that you have ovarian cancer. Also important to note is the fact that many women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer never experience any symptoms at all until the cancer has spread. If you exhibit any of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, make an appointment with your doctor to address your concerns. Your doctor may give you a physical examination, blood test, pelvic exam or ultrasound to determine if you have ovarian cancer. It is especially important not to overlook the symptoms of ovarian cancer if you are in a high risk category for this type of cancer. A family history of breast ovarian cancer increases your risk.

What kind of doctor would diagnose the symptoms of ovarian cancer in a patient?

As with all other forms of cancer, an oncologist would be the doctor or specialist that would diagnose the symptoms of ovarian cancer in a female patient. Warning signs might be found from a gynecologist during a pap smear, but an oncologist would verify the findings for cancer.

Do pap smears help detect ovarian cancer?

Yes definitely, annual papsmear tests are the best early detection of ovarian cancer. Many of the early stages of this type of cancer are only detected by lab tests so it is very important to have regular exams.

Symptoms that Indicate Ovarian Cancer?

If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, you may be curious to know what the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are. This type of cancer can be very hard to diagnose, as symptoms of this deadly disease can mirror those of other conditions, such as digestive issues. However, with the help of your doctor, you can be on the lookout for ovarian cancer symptoms. Be Proactive Be aware of the many ovarian cancer symptoms, but keep in mind that many symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer may also be markers for other conditions. So, be proactive in your health analysis but always consult with your doctor on any symptoms you may be experiencing for an official diagnosis. Pressure in the abdomen, along with bloating or swelling, could be an indication of ovarian cancer. You may also experience discomfort in your pelvic area; indigestion, gas or nausea that just won't go away; constipation; no energy; and lower back pain. In addition, if you have no appetite when you previous loved eating food, if your clothes are fitting tighter around your waist and you feel full quickly after eating, talk to your doctor. Any changes in your bladder habits, such as having to urinate on a more frequent basis than usual, could also point to possible ovarian cancer. Consult with Your Physician It's important to note that if you experience just one or two of these symptoms, these alone shouldn't cause panic. That's why its wise to visit with your doctor and notify her of your symptoms. Your doctor will likely recommend lab testing to determine if it is indeed cancer or another condition. You may have increased cause for concern if you have a family history of ovarian cancer, so speaking with your physician about your risk of this type of cancer may help put your fears at ease. It may also help you be proactive and alert to possible ovarian cancer symptoms should they arise in the future. You may also get a referral to meet with a genetic counselor to get tested for gene mutations that may show an increased chance for ovarian cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ovarian Cancer ?

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common form of cancer in women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 21,990 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in 2011, and an average of 15,460 women in the United States will die from ovarian cancer. Learning about ovarian cancer, its symptoms, and treatments, can help women get an early diagnosis.Is there a way to prevent ovarian cancer?At this time, there is no way to prevent ovarian cancer from forming. There are several things that a women can do to lower her risk of developing the condition. Taking oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer by nearly 50 percent if taken for at least 5 years. Pregnancy and breast-feeding also reduces the risk. Other factors that reduce the risk of ovarian cancer include tubal ligation, hysterectomy, and prophylactic oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries).Does ovarian cancer show symptoms during its early stages?Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be hard to distinguish from other conditions, and can commonly mimic non-gynecologic conditions. Many women have stated that they had symptoms from their ovarian cancer, even in the earlier stages. These symptoms included: abdominal discomfort or bloating, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate, persistent gas, nausea, indigestion, unexplained weight loss or gain or changes in bowel habits, loss of appetite, feeling full during or quickly after a meal, lack of energy, pain during intercourse, shortness of breath, or lower back pain.Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not certain, but studies have shown several factors that may increase a woman's chance of developing the condition. Woman with a family history of ovarian cancer, especially among first-degree relatives, have an increased risk. Ovarian cancer also increases its risk as the woman becomes older. Most cases occur in women over the age of 50. Women who have never had children are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Those who use fertility drugs or have had hormone replacement therapy are also at risk, although this is somewhat controversial.