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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 else can I help you with?
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
Recognizing the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer ?
Ovarian cancer is one of the most subtle forms of cancer. It starts in a woman's ovaries and can spread to other parts of the body, if not treated in the early. In many cases, ovarian cancer symptoms are not prevalent in the early stages, which make it difficult to detect until the cancer has progressed. Knowing the symptoms of ovarian cancer can help women detect it early. Early detection gives cancer patients a better chance at effectively treating the disease.SymptomsCommon ovarian cancer symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling or pressure, leg or back pain, nausea, indigestion, constipation and diarrhea. Fatigue that does not go away is another common symptom. Less common symptoms include shortness of breath and uncommon vaginal bleeding. These symptoms are also commonly related to other health issues. Women experiencing one or more of these symptoms should visit a doctor. Ovarian cancer symptoms tend to worsen and are constant as the cancer progresses.Risk FactorsWomen with a family history of ovarian cancer or other reproductive system cancers have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Family members include a mother, sister or daughter with cancer. An increased risk of developing ovarian cancer exist in women who have never been pregnant and women who are over age 55. An increased risk of developing ovarian does not mean that a woman will necessarily have ovarian cancer in her lifetime. Also, not having risk factors does not mean a women is excluded from developing cancer.DiagnosisA doctor can discover if your symptoms are related to ovarian cancer by performing a physical exam and other tests. The physical exam is a basic check of your general health. The physical exam consist of your doctor gently pressing on your abdomen to feel for tumors. If the doctor touches something abnormal or feels the need to run further test, she can perform a pelvic exam. During the pelvic exam, the doctor feels a woman's ovaries to check for lumps or any abnormal shape. A doctor may also choose to perform an ultrasound to check for tumors or a biopsy to check for cancer cells.
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.
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.
What is the fourth most common type of cancer among women?
The fourth most common type of cancer among women globally is ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer occurs in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. It ranks among the most serious gynecological cancers and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which can make treatment more challenging. Early-stage ovarian cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, and when symptoms do appear, they can be vague and easily attributed to other conditions. Some common symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and changes in urinary habits. Regular health check-ups, awareness of symptoms, and screening for individuals at higher risk, such as those with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, are important for early detection and effective management of ovarian cancer. If there are concerns about symptoms or risk factors, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and guidance.
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.
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.
Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer Saves Lives?
Among all forms of cancer of the female reproductive organs, ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly. If it is caught at an early stage, ovarian cancer is curable with a high rate of survivability. Because many patients either do not recognize the symptoms early enough or are too embarrassed or scared to go to their primary physicians with concerns, most ovarian cancer is not detected until it has spread into the abdomen and pelvis. Once it has spread, ovarian cancer becomes much more difficult to treat and can be fatal. Raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer is an important step to saving lives.SymptomsIf you have any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Even if it turns out to be nothing, it is better to investigate concerns than to allow cancer to spread unchecked. Remember, the earlier you detect ovarian cancer, the greater your odds of surviving are.Pressure, swelling, or bloating in the abdomenPelvic painPersistent digestive issues such as constipation, gas, and nauseaFrequent urge to urinatePain in the lower backOngoing lack of energyTreatmentIf your doctor concludes based on tests that you do have ovarian cancer, you will likely have to undergo a rigorous course of treatment that includes surgery and chemotherapy. The surgery will remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the uterus, nearby lymph nodes, as well as the omentum, a layer of fatty tissue in the abdomen to which ovarian cancer often spreads. The surgeon will try to remove as much of the cancer as possible. If the ovarian cancer was discovered early enough, not all organs may need to be removed which can preserve child-bearing ability for younger patients. After the surgery, most patients will undergo a course of chemotherapy to destroy what cancer remains. A doctor will determine how much chemotherapy based on the stage of the cancer.Ovarian cancer is a scary term often treated like a death sentence, but with early detection and treatment, ovarian cancer can be cured. Awareness of the symptoms can ensure that more woman survive.
Are there any websites that can help me find symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer symtoms may include abdomen pressure, pain or swelling, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and a general feeling of exhaustion. You should see a medical professional such as a family doctor or gynecologist to be acurately diagnosed. Your insurance can provide you with a list of doctors. http://www.medicinenet.com/ovarian_cancer/article.htm
What disease is labeled the silent killer?
Not a disease per say, the overconsumption of salt is often called the "silent killer".
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.
