Home >> Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer of one of the leading causes of death in females in the gynecological category. Because there are no accurate screening tests available for ovarian cancer as there are for breast cancer, many cases go undetected until its too late and the chance of cure or remission become very poor. Many women do not experience any symptoms of ovarian cancer until it has reached an advanced stage. Researchers and scientists are desperately trying to find ways to detect ovarian cancer in its earliest stages in the attempt to wipe out this silent killer.

In its early stages, ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose because many of the common symptoms are non-specific and can be put off to other ailments. However, even early stage disease can produce the most noted symptoms of ovarian cancer that include pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, urinary problems, feeling full quickly when eating and/or having difficulty eating. Other symptoms that women should be aware of that have been reported and should be taken into account are fatigue, menstrual changes or irregularities, indigestion, back pain, and painful intercourse. Women who experience these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks, especially if they increase in severity, should consult their physicians as a prompt medical diagnosis may lead to discovery of the illness at its earliest stages and provide a much improved prognosis.

There is great hope and optimism that soon researchers will find a way to help doctors diagnose this disease as early as possible before symptoms of ovarian cancer become apparent. At the present time however, most cases are treated by surgery such as an oophorectomy (removal of the ovary), or possibly a hysterectomy that includes the ovaries and fallopian tubes to remove cancerous tissues. Chemotherapy is also usually recommended as well after surgery to ensure any residual cells are destroyed, although in some cases chemotherapy may be suggested before surgery to reduce the size of the growth but again, this is dependent on the type of cancer involved. The surgery performed will depend on the type, grade and stage the cancer is in at the time of surgery and how widespread the cancer is when diagnosed. Options are fully explained to patients by their doctors so that the most effective treatment plan can be implemented as soon as possible.

Check Out Our Brand New e-Book --> Women's Hysterectomy Stories - The Essential Guide by: Ruth Steeves. Click Here Now for Instant Access!