Among cancer deaths in women, ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause. As the name indicates, this is a type of cancer that involves tumors developing in the ovaries. Read on to know the early signs and diagnosis of ovarian cancer to get timely treatment.

Early signs of ovarian cancer

• Bloating frequently

Feeling bloated too often should not be ignored as it leads to a drastic change in appetite. You feel full even before you have eaten a small portion. This is one of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer. Furthermore, bloating can make one feel uncomfortable at times. Persistent bloating, which lasts for weeks, can be a warning symptom. Besides bloating, there can also be unexplained digestive troubles. 

• Swelling in the abdomen

Besides bloating, there is visible swelling in the abdomen in some cases. This can occur when there is a cancerous growth in the ovaries. This swelling might be accompanied by pressure in the pelvis. Sometimes the growth can exert pressure in the pelvic region and extend all the way to the lower back. Abdominal swelling might also be accompanied by back pain.

• Cramps

Pelvic and abdominal cramps are common in women who have ovarian cancer. These are similar to menstrual cramps but are more intense. Sometimes one experiences mild pain, and sometimes it can be severe and unbearable. As cancer progresses, the pain worsens.

• Urinary incontinence

Any kind of anomaly in bladder functions accompanying other signs mentioned above should not be taken lightly. This can be due to the cancer mass, applying pressure on the bladder. It is a common manifestation of early signs of ovarian cancer. Moreover, frequent urination and urinary incontinence are both common symptoms.

• Fever when cancer has progressed

Once the cancerous growth has spread too much, it might lead to unexplained fever. If no other health condition explains the sudden fever, then it could possibly be cancer. Observation of other symptoms followed by a sudden fever could come as an early warning.

Diagnosis

Most of the cancer cases can be identified during a regular pelvic exam. Furthermore, to confirm, the doctor might ask for an MRI scan to help study the size of the tumor. CT reports also help the doctor in knowing how much cancer has spread. This is a crucial part of diagnosis and helps in planning an effective treatment for ovarian cancer.

Like most other cancer types, timely observation of the early signs and diagnosis of ovarian cancer would be the safest way to treat it. It helps to curb the spread and prevents this type of cancer from becoming fatal.