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What are the First 11 Signs of Ovarian Cancer?

By Medical Expert Team

Sep 08 , 2022 | 7 min read

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the ovaries. The ovaries are a pair of small, egg-shaped organs that are located on either side of the uterus. They produce hormones and eggs.

Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms in its early stages. This can make it hard to detect. When symptoms do occur, they can be vague and easy to dismiss as something else.

It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer so that you can catch it early.

Here are the first 11 signs of ovarian cancer.

1- Constant discomfort in the lower abdomen

The first signs of ovarian cancer can be hard to detect, as they are often subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions. However, there are a few key symptoms that may be an indication of the disease.

One of the most common early signs of ovarian cancer is constant discomfort in the lower abdomen. This pain may be mild or severe and can come and go. It is often worse during menstruation or sex. Other symptoms may include bloating, nausea, fatigue, and changes in bathroom habits.

If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it is important to see a doctor so that the cause can be determined. Early detection is critical for the successful treatment of ovarian cancer.

2- Persistent stomach bloating

One of the first signs of ovarian cancer is persistent stomach bloating. This means that the stomach feels full and bloated even after eating a small meal. This can be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and difficulty eating. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for a check-up.

ther early signs of ovarian cancer include changes in bathroom habits, fatigue, and weight loss. You may notice that you have to urinate more frequently or that you are constipated. You may also feel more tired than usual and lose weight even though you are not trying to diet. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for a check-up.

Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that can be fatal if it is not detected early. If you experience any of the above symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for a check-up.

3- An enlarged abdomen or a lump felt on lying down

The first sign of ovarian cancer is often an enlarged abdomen or a lump felt lying down. The lump may be on one side or both sides of the abdomen. It may also be felt in the pelvis, in the area between the hip bones.

Other early signs of ovarian cancer include:

- Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food

- Needing to urinate more frequently than usual

- Pain during sex

- Abnormal bleeding from the vagina, such as bleeding between periods or after menopause

If you have any of these signs, it's important to see your doctor so that they can rule out other possible causes.

4- Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly

One of the first signs of ovarian cancer is difficulty eating and feeling full quickly. This can be a result of the cancer growing and taking up space in the abdomen. This can make it difficult for the stomach to expand and hold food, leading to a feeling of fullness after only eating a small amount.

Other early signs of ovarian cancer include bloating, pelvic pain, and urinary urgency or frequency. Bloating may be caused by the enlarged ovaries pressing on the stomach. Pelvic

pain may be caused by the tumor growing and putting pressure on surrounding organs such as the bladder or rectum. Urinary symptoms may be caused by the tumor pressing on the bladder or urethra.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor so that they can rule out other possible causes and determine if you have ovarian cancer. Early detection is key to the successful treatment of this disease.

5- Frequent urination

One of the first signs of ovarian cancer is frequent urination. This is because the cancerous growth can press on the bladder, causing a need to urinate more often. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include pain during urination, pelvic pain, and bloating. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that the cause can be determined and appropriate treatment can be started.

6- Constipation and other digestive changes

One of the first signs of ovarian cancer is changes in digestion, such as constipation. Other digestive changes may include bloating, gas, nausea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are often caused by the tumor pressing on the intestine.

Ovarian cancer may also cause early satiety, which is the feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food. This is due to the tumor taking up space in the abdomen and limiting the amount of food that can be consumed.

Changes in urinary habits are another common symptom of ovarian cancer. This may include increased frequency or urgency, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine. These symptoms are caused by the tumor pressing on the bladder.

Weight loss, fatigue, and bloating are also common symptoms of ovarian cancer. These symptoms may be caused by tumor-producing hormones that can lead to weight loss and fatigue. The tumor may also cause the body to retain fluid, leading to bloating.

7- Difficulty breathing

One of the first signs of ovarian cancer is difficulty breathing. This is caused by the tumor pressing on the lungs and making it difficult to take in air. Shortness of breath may come on gradually or it may be sudden and severe. Other symptoms associated with difficulty breathing include pain in the chest, coughing, and wheezing.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. difficulty breathing can also be a symptom of other conditions, so it is important to get a diagnosis to rule out any other possibilities.

8- Low fever

One of the first signs of ovarian cancer is a low-grade fever. This is usually defined as a temperature that is slightly above normal, but not more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever may be one of the first signs of ovarian cancer because it can be caused by the abnormal growth of cancer cells.

Other possible early signs of ovarian cancer include bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits. Bloating is often caused by a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. This can make the stomach feel full or tight. Abdominal pain can be caused by the pressure of a growing tumor on the organs in the abdomen. Changes in bowel habits can include constipation or diarrhea.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor for a checkup. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions, but they could also be early signs of ovarian cancer.

9- Unusual vaginal bleeding

The first sign of ovarian cancer is usually unusual vaginal bleeding. This may be different from your normal menstrual cycle, or it may occur between periods. It may also be heavier than usual, or last for a longer time than usual. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor so they can rule out other causes.

Other early signs of ovarian cancer include abdominal pain or bloating, and a feeling of fullness even when you’ve just eaten a small meal. You may also have trouble eating or feel fuller sooner than usual. You may also have changes in your bathroom habits, such as more frequent urination or constipation.

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor so they can rule out other causes and check for ovarian cancer.

10- Abdominal, back, or pelvic pain

One of the first signs of ovarian cancer is abdominal, back, or pelvic pain. This pain may be constant or it may come and go. It may be mild or severe. If you have this type of pain, it is important to see your doctor so that they can rule out other possible causes.

Other early signs of ovarian cancer include bloating, feeling full quickly when eating, and urinating more frequently than usual. You may also experience changes in your bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor so that they can determine if they are caused by ovarian cancer or another condition.

11- Loss of energy and appetite

One of the first signs of ovarian cancer is a loss of energy and appetite. This can be a sudden or gradual change. You may feel tired all the time and not have the same interest in food as you used to. Other early signs of ovarian cancer include:

-Weight loss or gain

-Changes in bathroom habits

-Abdominal pain or bloating

-Feeling full quickly when eating

-Pelvic pain

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Author

DR. SAJJAN RAJPUROHIT

Director- Medical Oncology

BLK-Max Cancer Center

BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi


Written and Verified by:

Medical Expert Team

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