Ovarian Cancer Symptoms And Warning Signs

The majority of ovarian cancer symptoms account for the most common form of the cancer, epithelial cell cancer, which occurs 90% of the time. Other ovarian cancers are usually germ related.

Though early ovarian cancer symptoms are difficult to recognize, patients ignore them, or doctors fail to see the gravity of their importance, they may include:

Cramps
Cramping or other lower abdominal pain - chronic
Continuous bloating
Lower abdominal sensation of dragging
Urinary problems - incontinence, frequency or lack of

These are usually found in Stage I and Stage II ovarian cancer. However, it is important not to ignore these symptoms, especially if they continue for longer than a few weeks because tests can be done to determine if they in fact indicate ovarian cancer or some other disorder or disease.

Stage III and Stage IV ovarian cancer symptoms increase due to the growth of the tumor, where it has or is spreading to, how the spread affects the overall health of the patient, the patient's ability to cope with the cancer, the patient's overall health and physical fitness, and the severity of the cancer. These include some or all of the following:

Irregular or no periods
Vaginal spotting or bleeding in post-menopausal women
Lower crampy abdominal pain - chronic to acute
Abdominal swelling or appearance of bloating
Painful sex
Leg or back pain
Constipation, diarrhea or both
Long-term indigestion and gas pains
Urinary frequency
Nausea and/or vomiting
Tiredness or fatigue
Appetite loss
Breathing problems or shortness of breath
Internal uterine spotting or bleeding (rare)
Enlarged breasts (rare)
Facial hair growth (rare)

The symptoms in the late ovarian cancer stages can be very unpleasant and the pain may be over powering, but treatments and medications are available to help, dependant on the prognosis given by your doctor. It is important to take advantage of everything available, whether through regular medicine or alternative/holistic medicine in order to fight the cancer, the pain and suffering and the fear. Do not be put off because your doctor may not belief in alternative/holistic methods and medicines. Remember to get all the facts before making a final decision on treatment, medication and pain relief, a decision that is your right to make.

Cancer