Ovarian tumor is called the silent disease because the symptoms start showing when the disease is in the advanced stage and it is too late to do anything. Ovarian cancer is not easy to spot because it is not formed from the so called pre cancer formations. The symptoms start showing in the advanced stage of the disease as a result of big tumor mass or liquid in the stomach cavity. Early diagnose is possible with a use of tumor markers and ultrasound. Tumor markers can often show wrong results because they are not sensitive enough so the ultrasound is the only method of diagnose that shows the tissues of ovaries and around and the changes are easily visible.
SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER
Most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
- Swelling in the stomach area
- Bloating
- Rapid increasing of weight
- Feeling of constant pressure in the stomach area
- Pain in the pelvis area
- Feeling of satiety
- Frequent urination.
Besides these most common symptoms, patients with ovarian cancer also feel symptoms like:
- Constant feeling of tiredness
- Heartburn
- Back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Constipation
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
These symptoms are common in women that don’t have ovarian cancer, but if they last more than three weeks it is recommended to see a doctor.
The symptoms may also vary based on the kind, volume and stage the cancer is in.
During the first period when the tumor mass is in the small pelvis the most common symptoms are feeling of fullness, frequent urination, painful defecation followed with pain in the lower back. In the second period when the cancer affects the abdominal organs most common symptoms are bloating, heartburn, sleeping problems, uterus bleeding, and pressure in the lower pelvis. When the disease is in the advanced stage patients experience appetite loss, changes on the face, caught, heavy breathing, and heart problems.
Be aware! Look and listen to the signs your body sends and react on time. If you act fast, the chances to beat the disease are higher.