How to Recognize the Warning signs of Ovarian Cancer

The symptoms related to ovarian cancer often go misdiagnosed in the early stages of the disease, because many of the common symptoms are also associated with other less serious conditions. Unfortunately, this is why ovarian cancer goes undiagnosed until it is in the latent and more serious stages of the disease, which is when there are more symptoms observed due to the pressure caused by the cancer growth. Ovarian cancer occurs when malignant cells grow in one or both of the ovaries, and because it does not always occur in both ovaries, normal ovarian functions can be carried out which keeps ovarian cancer flying under the radar. Early diagnose is essential to keeping this disease treatable and under control, which is why recognizing the warning signs for ovarian cancer is important.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Feeling steady pain and cramping in the lower abdominal region is commonly experienced. The pain and cramping associated with ovarian cancer is due to growth of the malignant cells, which can cause pressure and inflammation to the affected ovary.

2. 
   Ovarian Cancer Spreading

   Constant pain and pressure, mild to intense, may be felt in the pelvic and lower back. This is due to inflammation and the growing cancer in the area surround and near the cancerous ovary. It will cause the woman to feel like there is a fullness or heaviness in their pelvic region.

3. Vaginal bleeding that is unrelated to normal menstrual cycle may be experienced. The bleeding may be a light spotting to moderate, and there may be an observance of a mucus discharge that is also blood tinged.

4. Engaging in sexual intercourse may be painful and cause bleeding.

5. The abdomen may be noticeably bigger due to bloating and distention, which is caused by swelling and inflammation. You may even be able to feel an actual lump from the growth of the malignant cells. This may even reflect in a weight gain.

6. Intestinal problems like increased gas that is not relieved with conventional treatments and irritated bowels that produce constipation or diarrhea.

7. Experiencing a diminished appetite that may even be accompanied by episodes of nausea and vomiting that will contribute to weight loss.

8. Lack of energy and a general feeling of tiredness.

9. Frequency in urination may occur due to pressure on the bladder.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a medical journal and write down information about the symptoms you are noticing and experiencing. This way you can refer to the information you have been monitoring when you visit your physician.
• Learn about the risk factors that are associated with ovarian cancer.
• Any symptoms you do monitor and experience should be taken seriously, and followed up with a visit to your physician for proper diagnosis. It is important that you do not wait for all the symptoms to appear, but rather seek the advisement of your physician upon the first signs of abnormalities.
• Women who have had hysterectomies and retained their ovaries are still at risk for ovarian cancer.

Resources

• Ovarian Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer National Alliance