The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. There are two ovaries, one on each side of the body. Between puberty and menopause, they release an egg each month. Ovaries also help make the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
Ovarian c.a.ncer is when abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably in one or both ovaries, causing a tumour to form. If undetected, the cancer can grow to surrounding tissue and spread to other areas of your body.
Your risk of developing ovarian c.a.ncer increases as you get older. The risk is greatest in those aged between 70 and 80.
1. Persistent abdominal (belly) bloating
Bloating is the most commonlyTrusted Source reported symptom in people with ovarian c.a.ncer. Occasional bloating is common, especially before and at the start of periods or after eating a large meal.
People typically notice bloating when wearing fitted clothing or during pregnancy.
The most commonTrusted Source route of the spread of ovarian c.a.ncer is through the peritoneal cavity, the space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, stomach, and liver. This may cause fluid buildup inside the belly (ascites) as c.a.ncer spreads to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).
It can also happen when c.a.ncer cells block lymph drainage, preventing fluid in the peritoneum from being reabsorbed.
2. Pelvic or belly pain, cramping, or pressure
In a 2020 studyTrusted Source, abdominal or pelvic pain and discomfort was the most commonly reported symptom of ovarian c.a.ncer, followed by bloating.
Some people report feeling cramping pain similar to menstrual cramps. Others feel squeezing, pressure-like pain. The pain can be felt all over the pelvis or limited to one side.
Learn more about other causes of pelvic pain here.
3. Feeling full after a light meal
The fluid buildup in the peritoneum that causes bloating can put pressure on the stomach, causing a person to feel full all the time or after a light meal. This can cause a lack of appetite and problems eating.
4. Urinary problems
The ovaries are close to the bladder. Changes in the ovaries can affect the bladder and urinary tract. A growing tumor may press on the bladder and cause issues. Common urinary symptoms associated with ovarian c.a.ncer include:
frequent urination
urine leaks
strong sense of urgency to urinate
pain or pressure in the bladder
5. Menstrual changes
B.l.eeding or spotting between periods or v.a.ginal b.l.eeding after menopause is a less common symptom of ovarian c.a.ncer. Discharges that are not common for a person can also be a sign of ovarian c.a.ncer.
The 2022 retrospective review mentioned earlier found that 13% of people had v.a.g.inal b.l.e.eding as an early disease symptom.
The American C.a.ncer SocietyTrusted Source states that changes in a person’s period can also be a symptom of ovarian c.a.ncer.
Changes can include missing a period or having heavier b.l.e.eding than usual. However, other common causes for menstrual changes include pregnancy, stress, low body weight, and hormonal imbalances.
6. Changes in bathroom habits
Aside from bloating and abdominal pain, other gastrointestinal symptoms may signify ovarian c.a.ncer. One in five Trusted Sourcepeople report changes in bowel habits.
A growing tumor may place pressure on the intestines, causing changes in bowel habits, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea.
Other symptoms
The following symptoms can also indicate ovarian c.a.ncer:
fatigue
back pain
painful s.3.x (d.y.s.pareunia) or bleeding after s.3.x
weight loss or weight gain
Source: medicalnewstoday.com
