How can you tell if you have ovarian cancer?
How can you tell if you have ovarian cancer?
Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer does come with symptoms, but they are often very subtle and easily mistaken for other, more common problems. In some rare cases, early stage ovarian cancers may produce symptoms, but in the majority of women these don’t show up until the cancer has advanced (when the growth of the tumour triggers symptoms). Several studies show that ovarian cancer can produce these symptoms:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms like urgency (always feeling like you have to go ) or frequency (having to go often)
If you have these symptoms for more than two weeks, and the symptoms are new or unusual for you, consult a Gynec-Oncologist and ask about Ovarian Cancer.
Less Common Symptoms Associated with Ovarian Cancer
Several other symptoms have been commonly reported by women with ovarian cancer:
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Back pain
- Pain with intercourse
- Constipation
- Menstrual irregularities
Ovarian cancer Diagnosis
If a woman has the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, she needs a complete pelvic exam by a Gynec-Oncosurgeon, a CT scan or MRI scan, and a CA-125 blood test.
If there is a suspicion from these tests that ovarian cancer might be present, the patient should seek a referral to a gynecologic oncologist for Cytoreductive surgery and further treatment. Research shows that women treated by gynecologic oncologists live longer than those treated by other physicians like general gynaecologists and general surgeons.
Inputs by Dr. Richa Bansal, Consultant Gynec-Oncosurgery, Robotic Surgery and HIPEC Specialist at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai.
To book an appointment with Dr. Bansal call – 022 33503350/ 62806280 or visit https://www.askapollo.com/doctors/gyneac-oncology-and-robotic-surgery/mumbai/dr-richa-ashok-bansal