Signs And Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer occurs in the ovaries, which are two small organs located on the sides of the uterus. They are what produce the eggs that allow women to bear children. Ovarian cancer can develop in three different cells in the ovaries: the epithelial, germ, and stromal cells. The first make up the structure of the ovaries. The germ cells are what turn into egg cells. Finally, stromal cells form the outer layer of the ovaries. Gene mutations are largely responsible for the development of ovarian cancer. Those with a family history of ovarian cancer are most at risk. However, more research needs to be done on this!

The primary treatment for ovarian cancer is surgery. This will remove affected tissue and organs! Women often require chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy as well. Hormone therapy is often used for low-grade ovarian cancer following surgery instead of chemo. They will also be prescribed medications. Supplements can reduce treatment side effects or even lessen the severity of symptoms! Both make dealing with ovarian cancer easier.

Bloating

Bloating is a normal part of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Certain foods can also trigger bloating. So, occasional bloating is perfectly normal! However, persistent bloating is a symptom of ovarian cancer. This is often due to excess fluid building up in the abdomen. The buildup worsens if ovarian cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes, as it impairs their ability to remove extra fluids. Alone, bloating is not enough to diagnose ovarian cancer. Women must be on the lookout for other signs! The good news? We have that information!

Reduced Appetite

The stomach and intestines expand to accommodate food before it is digested. This area can expand to a certain degree, but there is a limit. The ovaries are located in the abdomen, which means when ovarian cancer occurs, the cancerous cells will take up space the woman's stomach, intestines, and other abdominal organs would otherwise occupy. This will trigger symptoms related to the compression of these organs. This includes a reduced appetite! Specifically, women with ovarian cancer will feel full fast. This happens even after only a few bites of food.

Weight Loss

In healthy women, it’s simple: weight loss occurs when they consume fewer calories than what they burn. This is because cells, when they run out of calories for energy, will use fat already in the body instead, resulting in decreased mass. This requires effort on the part of an individual, both in terms of diet as well as exercise.

However, a woman with ovarian cancer will be more likely to lose weight without trying to do so. This is because cancerous cells use far more calories and fat as they are constantly growing and rapidly dividing. Women with ovarian cancer are also likely to eat less due to a reduced appetite. The reduced intake here also impacts weight loss. Yes, even when it's not intentional!

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.