What are the first symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

2025-01-28 / RG STONE HOSPITAL / Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies within the female genital tract. This affects a large number of women annually. Despite this, ovarian cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent type of cancer among women and is termed a 'silent killer' because, in most cases, it gets diagnosed only when the disease is at an advanced stage. This is mostly so since the initial symptoms are usually relatively vague, and therefore easily mimicked by a whole host of other diseases. 

 At RG Hospital we have felt the challenge of providing education to women on Ovarian cancer and delivering best diagnosis and treatment at any stage of disease. This guide considers the early symptoms of ovarian cancer*, causes and when to see a doctor.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian Cancer is a malignant growth of cells and this growth starts from the ovary, which is a female reproductive organ that releases eggs. But it also begins in the Fallopian Tubes or Peritoneum – the tissue that makes up the lining of the abdomen. There are many types of Ovarian Cancer, however, the most common is Epithelial Ovarian Cancers or Cancers that are formed in the surface of the Ovary. 

The majority of women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer at stages I, II, or III because early-stage symptoms are often subtle and easily overlooked.

 Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: What to Look Out For ?

The early signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer are often vague and can be mistaken for common gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome. However, it's crucial to recognize persistent and unusual changes in your body. If symptoms don’t go away or feel different from your usual experiences, it's important to seek medical attention for early detection.

Here are the most common symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:  

1. Gaseous Distension

Stomach ache and a feeling of swelling or fullness are some of the disturbing early symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. It’s different from people who experience bloating after they overeat or consume wind producing foods as the swelling does not disappear.  

2. Pelvic or Abdominal Pain 

Abdominal pain or discomfort localized to the lower quadrant or pelvic region is one of the most characteristic features of the disease. This discomfort can be chronic or periodic and usually resembles a menstrual cramp or a stomach ache.

3. Changes in Appetite

The common early symptom of Ovarian Cancer is a change in the pattern of eating, for example, a woman with the disease will find it hard to eat or she will fill up quickly with very little food in the stomach.  

4. Constant Urge to urinate or increased frequency 

A frequent urge to urinate, or the feeling that the bladder cannot hold more urine is a minor symptom many women pay no attention to. This is because as the tumor increases in size it may apply pressure on the bladder.  

5. Weight Loss or Weight Gain Without Any Reason

Irrespective of other symptoms weight loss or weight gain normally within a short period without many alterations on diet or exercise could signify Ovarian Cancer.  

6. Fatigue

 Panting or Chronic tiredness or a dull feeling the body might be stressed by cancer.

7. Menstrual Irregularities

Discontinuation of the menstrual cycle or a change in its characteristics, for example, its intensity increases or decreases, or even intermenstrual bleeding, should not be considered a trifle, especially in climacterium-aged women.

8. Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Persistent bleeding that does not respond to pills may be an early sign of ovarian cancer. Other potential symptoms include persistent indigestion, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea that does not improve with treatment.

9. Back Pain

Lower back pain that cannot be rationalized by exercising or any physical movement is also a sign. 

Patients Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at RG Hospital  

At RG Hospital, the diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer is done with the help of tools that can identify the diseases in a shortest possible time. Our diagnostic process includes:  

1. Physical Examination 

   In case of presence of Ovaries and the related tissues, a physical examination –a pelvic exam- is conducted.  

2. Imaging Tests  

   An ultrasound test or CT scans or MRI can be used to check any mass or pathology present in the ovary.  

3. Blood Tests  

   Screening for tumor of cancer antigens such as the CA- 125 is conducted. The count of which are high in women from suffering from Ovarian Cancer.  

4. Biopsy  

   If a tumor is found, a sample is then taken for biopsy, to ascertain that it is really a cancerous tumor.

Ovarian Cancer Survival

Ovarian Cancer therapy differs with the type and stage of the disease and health status of the individual. We have various services at RG Hospital, inpatient and outpatient services with the ability to provide individualized service to all enrollees.  

1. Surgery  

   On modifying the physicians’ narrative, the first-line treatment is surgery, which may involve removal of one or both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and, in some cases, the uterus. 

2. Chemotherapy

   Highly effective drugs are applied in order to affect cancer cells and reduce tumor size. Chemotherapy can be undertaken after surgery to kill leftover cancerous cells in the body.  

3. Targeted Therapy  

   These treatments are precise and target particular proteins in the development of cancer and that causes harm to the other cells in the vicinity.  

4. Supportive Care  

   Our team comprises of physicians, nurses, dieticians, counselors, and other practitioners to provide psychosocial, nutritional, and psychological support to the patrons.

Why Choose RG Hospital?

Here at RG Hospital, provide early detection and individualized management of ovarian cancer. A team of hard working Oncologists and Gynecologists are always present to perform their duties professionally and usage of the latest technologies to help the patients achieve the best result. We are dedicated to empowering women with knowledge of their diagnosis all the way to treatment and beyond.  

Conclusion  

The early signs of Ovarian Cancer may be hard to spot, but it is important to recognize the signs as it is a question of life and death. If you are experiencing any symptoms,have concerns or at high risk of develoing Ovarian Cancer, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with the experts at RG Hospitals.Your health and peace of mind matter,so make RG Hospitals your choice .