Posted in: Ovarian Cancer Treatment by Dr. Tarang Krishna Posted Date: 31 Jan, 2020
Unlike breast cancer, uterus cancer, and cervical cancer which have screenings and can be detected early, only 20% of the ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed before they are advanced. The best thing to do to not ignore ovarian cancer symptoms is to learn the signs of ovarian cancer, your own risk factors, and what to do in case you suspect a problem.
Many signs of cancer go unnoticed until the disease have spread throughout the body. What one may assume to be an exercise injury, the symptom of the common flu or cold, or a minor health issue could be something more serious.
However, knowing what signs and symptoms to look for can be complex because cancer is not just one disease, but a group of diseases that can cause almost any signs or symptoms.
The symptoms depend on where the cancer is, how big it is, and how much it affects the organs or tissues. If cancer has spread (metastasized), signs or symptoms may appear in different parts of the body. If ovarian cancer can be diagnosed early, women can expect to continue living a full life. Unfortunately, though, the early signs of ovarian cancer are easily overlooked, and most women don’t make an appointment until cancer reaches its later stages.
To make things easier, Cancer Healer Center, a leading hospital for ovarian cancer treatment lists down the most common signs of ovarian cancer to stay one step ahead of this ‘silent killer’:
Abdominal bloating
Ovarian cancer can cause an abnormal build-up of fluid in the pelvis or abdomen (ascites) leading to an uncomfortable and bloated feeling. This is a common sign of ovarian cancer. It might be accompanied by pain or an increased urge to pass wind and isn’t affected by food and medication. Sometimes the bloating may be visible, and in advanced ovarian cancer, a football-sized lump may be seen in women’s abdomen. However, bloating could have many other causes ranging from hormonal changes to increased salt intake.
Increased urinary urgency
Increasing and growing tumours crowd adjacent tissues and organs. This crowding can make your bladder feel full more often. A noticeable increase in how often a woman needs to visit the washroom is also a common sign, as well as multiple trips to the toilet during the night. If you develop any bladder spasms or urinary urgency, it is time to make an appointment especially if there is no obvious reason for this increase like drinking significantly more fluid than usual.
Persistent back, pelvic, or abdominal pain
The cancerous masses can put pressure on neighbouring organs and cause them to ache or throb. The pain in the surrounding areas might also result if cancer has spread. This is often mistaken for conditions such as IBS, gastric infections and menstrual cramps.
Changes in bowel habits
You may experience constipation and diarrhoea. When the tumour places pressure on your bowels, stool may become a little thinner. You may also experience irregular periods and sometimes bleeding after menopause.
Decreased appetite or difficulty in eating
Nausea, a diminished appetite, or a “full stomach” sensation may be early signs of ovarian cancer. Some of the leading cancer doctors in India have said that if women can just catch this condition earlier, thousands of lives could be saved each year. So while the occasional “full tummy feeling” may not indicate trouble, prolonged appetite loss (especially when combined with the other warning signs of ovarian cancer) can be the reason for concern.
Fatigue
Sometimes it is caused by a lack of nutrition from the decreased appetite and other times it could be a result of cancer itself. A nagging weariness or exhaustion should not be ignored. If your body is working overtime to fight the disease or if other symptoms are disturbing restful sleep, you may feel fatigued, which is one of the most commonly reported ovarian cancer symptoms.
Cancer Healer Center recommends women to keep a record of their symptoms to take with them to the doctor. If you have any unexplained symptoms, it is wise to do a little research before calling your doctor. However, many online sources lead people to conclusions that are one-sided or ill-informed. If you’re experiencing ovarian cancer symptoms, the worst thing to do is wait.
Visit the experts at Cancer Healer Center to learn more about what to watch for and whom to talk to if you suspect you have symptoms of ovarian cancer. If you are looking for ovarian cancer treatment, get in touch with us now!
How to talk to your doctor about cancer?
The general practitioners usually allow a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve or get worse. Even if you think your symptoms are mild, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. It is the duty of the clinician to evaluate your symptoms and suggests testing or treatment if needed and then ask you to come back if the problem persists or gets worse.
In the case of ovarian cancer, if you experience any of these signs and symptoms listed above, get in touch with an oncologist. Remember, any ongoing symptom should be evaluated. And be sure to follow up. The doctors at Cancer Healer Center carefully plan the ovarian cancer treatment based on the type of cancer, the spread of the disease and general health of the patient and have successful results even in the advanced stages. If you have more questions about ovarian cancer treatment in India, get in touch with our experts now!