Signs And Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer

Pelvic Pain

Yes, cancer does cause pain in some way. In ovarian cancer, this typically takes the form of pelvic pain. Ovarian cancer can spread to the uterus, which can cause the uterine muscles to contract inappropriately. This pelvic pain can feel quite similar to menstrual cramps, which can make it harder for menstruating women to detect ovarian cancer. Thus, the recommendation is to report abnormal changes in frequency and level of pain to a doctor.

Additionally, ovarian cancer that spreads to the bladder can produce painful urination and related symptoms, once again because of the muscles there contracting inappropriately. Pelvic pain can also be the result of fluid buildup and bloating. This is because pelvic organs will be compressed due to these factors.

Constipation Or Diarrhea

As the ovaries are located close to the bowels, the bowels are a particularly susceptible location for ovarian cancer to spread to. If ovarian cancer spreads here, new symptoms will appear as a result. If ovarian cancer causes a partial or full obstruction in a woman’s colon, it can cause stool to stay inside her intestines for too long. This may cause the large intestine to absorb too much fluid from stool, which triggers constipation. Stool is harder to pass with insufficient fluid! Severe constipation, when ovarian cancer is at play, is often alternated with diarrhea if the large intestine has been damaged.