Ovarian cancer occurs when cells in the ovary develop abnormally and begin to grow quickly. Often, this causes a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body, causing further health problems. Early ovarian cancer may cause few or no symptoms. If not detected and treated early, it can be difficult to cure.
Many people with ovarian cancer don’t know they have it. This is partly because ovarian cancer symptoms are similar to those of other health conditions and can be easily overlooked or mistaken for something else. They include bloating, pelvic pain and changes to your menstrual cycle or bowel habits.
Most types of ovarian cancer start in the cells that line the ovaries. These are called epithelial ovarian cancers. There are also rare types of ovarian cancers that can start in other cells, called stromal tumors and germ cell tumors. These are less common but more aggressive and harder to treat.
Symptoms can include a feeling of fullness in the abdomen (bloating), pelvic pain, abdominal swelling and changes to your menstrual cycle. In some cases, the ovarian cancer cells can press against the bladder or intestines, causing an increased need to urinate. The cancer can also build up fluid in the belly (ascites).
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. A doctor can perform an examination and take a medical history, and recommend further testing if needed.
The type of ovarian cancer you have will help determine the treatment plan you’ll need. The most common treatment for ovarian cancer is surgery to remove the tumor or cyst. This might include removing one or both of your ovaries, fallopian tubes and nearby lymph nodes. In some cases, doctors might prescribe chemotherapy or radiation to kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading.
Some ovarian cancers can spread to the lungs. This can lead to breathing trouble if the tumors grow large enough and put pressure on your lungs. Other ovarian cancers can spread to other areas of the body, including the brain.
Getting regular checkups and learning about your risk factors for ovarian cancer can help you identify any unusual or persistent symptoms sooner. If you experience symptoms that persist for more than two weeks, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.
