My first signs of ovarian cancer appeared suddenly and unexpectedly. Initially, I felt like I was having urinary issues, as I felt like I needed to urinate more often. I also had a feeling of abdominal bloating that persisted.
After a while, I had pain in my abdomen and lower back. My appetite changed, as my normal hunger decreased substantially, and I began to lose weight quickly. Additionally, I experienced fatigue, along with irregular menstrual cycles.
It was soon after these symptoms appeared that I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
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Does ovarian cancer have obvious early warning signs?
No, ovarian cancer does not have any obvious early warning signs. In fact, it is often called “the silent killer” due to its lack of noticeable symptoms in the early stages. As the cancer progresses, more symptoms may become present.
These can include abdominal bloating and swelling, loss of appetite, persistent pelvic pain or pressure, pain during sexual intercourse, fatigue, and the frequent feeling of needing to urinate. However, even these symptoms might be present in other situations and conditions and may not always be indicators of ovarian cancer.
If any of these symptoms or any other abnormal changes in health occur, a doctor should be consulted for evaluation and diagnosis.
What does early ovarian cancer pain feel like?
Early ovarian cancer pain can vary from person to person, but can often feel like sharp, persistent abdominal or pelvic pain. Additionally, pressure in the lower abdomen, bloating in the stomach, a feeling of fullness, and difficulty eating can also indicate the presence of ovarian cancer.
Pain might also be felt in the lower back or legs. Other common symptoms of ovarian cancer can include unexplained weight loss, changes in bladder habits, and constipation. While many of these symptoms can be seen in other conditions, if they persist or suddenly begin and don’t go away it is important to speak to a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
What conditions mimic ovarian cancer?
Many conditions can mimic ovarian cancer, which can make it difficult to diagnose. These include benign masses such as fibroids or tumors, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infections, and conditions causing pelvic pain such as appendicitis or diverticulitis.
Additionally, ovarian cysts can sometimes cause symptoms similar to those of ovarian cancer, such as abdominal pain or bloating. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and diabetes can also cause some similar symptoms.
Additionally, some non-gynecologic conditions, such as lymphoma or lung cancer, can have similar symptoms as ovarian cancer and may also be mistaken for it. Lastly, some medications, such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, can cause similar symptoms.
It is important to see a doctor if any of these symptoms arise as early detection is key in the successful treatment of ovarian cancer.
Does Stage 1 ovarian cancer have symptoms?
Yes, Stage 1 ovarian cancer can have symptoms though not all cases will present them and they may vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include lower abdominal pain, bloating, change in bowel habits, feeling full more quickly, the need to urinate more frequently, nausea, and extreme fatigue.
Although abdominal pain and bloating are the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer, you may experience fatigue, sudden or rapid weight gain or loss, indigestion, back pain, menstrual changes, pain during sex, and changes in urinary habits due to pressure on your bladder.
It is important to see a doctor if you experience any of these changes as they could be caused by various health conditions and not necessarily ovarian cancer. A diagnosis can be made after further testing, including a physical examination, an ultrasound, blood tests, a CT, X-Ray or MRI scan, and/or a biopsy.
Can you have ovarian cancer for 3 years without knowing?
Yes, it is possible to have ovarian cancer for three years without knowing it, as many types of ovarian cancer present without any symptoms in the early stages. Ovarian cancer is known as a ‘silent killer’ as it can often go undetected in the early stages; in fact, ovarian cancer is most commonly diagnosed at a late stage, after the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Since the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be similar to those experienced in other common conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. Additionally, many symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer, such as abdominal pain and bloating, can be quite mild, making them difficult to notice.
Therefore, it is quite possible to have ovarian cancer for three years or more before being diagnosed. It is important to see a doctor if any symptoms of ovarian cancer develop or persist, as catching the cancer early can greatly improve chances of successful treatment.
Is ovarian cancer difficult to detect in the early stages?
Yes, ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect in the early stages because many of the symptoms can be vague and can easily be mistaken for other illnesses. Many of the typical symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as abdominal bloating, changes in bowel movements or indigestion, are nonspecific and can be attributed to other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
For this reason, many cases of ovarian cancer go undiagnosed until the cancer has advanced and the symptoms become more serious and pronounced. Even after diagnosis, it may be difficult to detect early stages of the cancer due to its location in the pelvis which makes it difficult to monitor with imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans.
Women should be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and seek medical attention if any of these symptoms persist.
How can I rule out ovarian cancer?
The best way to rule out ovarian cancer is to visit a doctor for a comprehensive examination. Your doctor will likely ask about your medical and family history, perform a physical examination, and recommend other tests to rule out ovarian cancer.
A pelvic ultrasound is an imaging test that can detect the size and shape of the ovaries, as well as any masses or tumors. It is often used to help diagnose ovarian cancer. In addition, your doctor may order a pelvic exam and blood tests to measure the levels of some proteins and hormones associated with ovarian cancer.
Your doctor may also recommend a transvaginal ultrasound, which is a more sensitive imaging test than a pelvic ultrasound.
Your doctor may also order a CA-125 blood test, which measures the levels of a protein that is produced by ovarian cancer cells. If the levels of this protein are elevated, it may indicate the presence of ovarian cancer.
Other tests such as a computed tomography scan (CT scan), a positron emission tomography scan (PET scan), and a laparoscopy may also be used to rule out ovarian cancer.
Ultimately, it is important to visit your doctor for an evaluation if you are experiencing symptoms associated with ovarian cancer. Based on the results from the physical examination, your doctor can recommend the best tests to rule out ovarian cancer.
Does ovarian cancer show up in blood work?
No, ovarian cancer typically will not show up in blood work. Instead, the process of diagnosing ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of a pelvic exam, imaging tests, and/or laparoscopy. Blood tests can be used to screen for ovarian cancer, but are not used to definitively diagnose it.
The most accurate test for diagnosing ovarian cancer is to perform a biopsy, during which a sample of tissue is taken from the affected ovary and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Do Pap smears detect ovarian cancer?
No, Pap smears do not detect ovarian cancer. Pap smears are a screening test for cervical cancer and pre-cancer and are not designed to detect other types of cancer. Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI) and specific blood tests.
If ovarian cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be required to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
Can a gynecologist tell if you have ovarian cancer?
Yes, a gynecologist can tell if you have ovarian cancer – though they are not typically the doctor one would see to diagnose the condition. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be detected by a gynecologist during an exam, such as feeling pressure in the pelvic area, an abdominal mass, and the presence of cancerous cells in the ovaries.
However, these physical symptoms are not always present or are attributed to other conditions. To accurately detect and diagnose ovarian cancer, further tests are necessary and a diagnosis may be made through using imaging methods, such as a CT scan, or by performing a biopsy of the tissue and cells.
What hurts when you have ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is associated with a variety of symptoms. Symptoms related to the disease may include abdominal bloating or swelling, sudden and progressive increase in abdominal size, feeling full quickly after eating, frequent urination, pelvic pain or pressure, abdominal pain, change in appetite, constipation, fatigue, back pain, pain with intercourse and irregular periods.
In the later stages of ovarian cancer, more severe symptoms may appear, including bowel obstruction, severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty eating and weight loss. It is important to consult a medical professional if you experience any of these symptoms, as they can be related to other health issues.
However, if you experience any of these symptoms in combination, or without explanation, it may be useful to see a gynecologist.
Seeking treatment promptly can improve outcomes and potentially reduce the severity of symptoms, as well as the length of time symptoms may persist.
Where do most ovarian cancers start?
Most ovarian cancers start in the cells that line the outer surface of the ovary. This type of cancer is called epithelial ovarian cancer and accounts for about 90% of all ovarian cancers. In most cases, this type of cancer begins in the cells of the epithelium, which is the layer of cells that covers the outer surface of the ovary.
These cells form the bulk of the ovary and are responsible for producing the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Other, rarer types of ovarian cancer can originate in other cell types found inside the ovary, such as stromal or germ cell tumors.
In general, ovarian cancers can spread to other organs such as the uterus, bladder, and intestines.
What outward symptoms does a woman with ovarian cancer show?
A woman with ovarian cancer may experience a wide range of outward symptoms. These may include abdominal pain or swelling, feeling full quickly while consuming food, frequent urination, bloating, nausea, difficulty eating, changes in bowel habits, and loss of appetite.
Other possible symptoms include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Additionally, she may experience pain in her low back or during intercourse. It is important not to overlook the symptoms of ovarian cancer, as early diagnosis and treatment may be critical for a positive outcome.
If any of these symptoms last for more than two weeks, it is advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Can a full blood count detect ovarian cancer?
No, a full blood count (FBC) is not able to detect ovarian cancer. A full blood count looks at the types and number of cells present in a sample of your blood. This includes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
While changes in the number and types of blood cells may indicate other diseases, it cannot detect the presence of ovarian cancer. In order to diagnose ovarian cancer, a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and blood tests for cancer markers, such as CA-125, are more accurate tools.
These tests are able to detect changes in the amount of hormone being produced by the ovary, which can indicate the presence of ovarian cancer.
