How to tell if i have ovarian cancer? what are the symptoms?

Difficult: Early stage ovarian cancer is usually without symptoms. Advanced stage disease symptoms are nonspecific and difficult to seperate from abdominal symptoms. These symptoms include abdominal/pelvic pain, bloating, change in bowel habits, fatigue, and urinary issues. If you have a positive family history for either ovarian or breast cancer talk to your primary care about possible genetic testing.

It can be silent: Usually there are many vague abdominal and pelvic symptoms which range from pain, indigestion to abdominal bloating. Late symptoms include fluid colelction in the belly.

Often none: One of the reasons that ovarian cancer has such a poor prognosis overall is that it usually does not cause symptoms and thus is not found until it has become fairly advanced and more difficult to treat. While it can cause vague spyoma as described most cases are asymptomatic until its had a chance to progress. If you have a concern or are at high risk genetically, talk to your md about screening.

Bloating: Bloating, pelvic pain, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, menstrual abnormalities are common symptoms of ovarian cancer. The most accurate screening test for women without symptoms is your annual gyn exam.