Three Most Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is normally termed a “silent killer” because its vague symptoms often go unrecognized and by the time the person starts having severe problems the disease may have reached stage III or IV.

The treatment percentage of ovarian cancer is about 90% if treated in the earlier phase, but if delayed the cure percentage also decreases. One another reason for the high mortality rate due to this is the lack of proper screening techniques to detect ovarian cancer in its early phase.

A study in JAMA has recognized combination of three symptoms that occurred in 43% patients diagnosed with ovarian disease. The combination of these symptoms is:

1. Bloating: Unexplainable indigestion, gas, or bloating that is not relieved with over-the-counter antacids.
2. Increased abdominal size: Swelling and pain of the abdomen.
3. Urinary symptoms: An unusual feeling of fullness or discomfort in the pelvic region, pain, abnormal bleeding, and pain during sexual intercourse.

Although these symptoms are the most common found in patients suffering from the disease, this cannot be counted as a solid proof that the patient is having the ovarian disorder.

The study also has identified four characteristics, which strengthens the doubt in this direction. These characteristics are:

1. Frequency of symptoms
2. Severity of symptoms
3. When symptoms first occurred
4. Total number of symptoms reported

All these factors should be considered before the physician decides about going ahead with further intervention or not. The study authors have advised that women who are experiencing a recent onset of frequent, severe, and multiple symptoms should undergo the diagnostic evaluation and testing for the ovarian cancer – the sooner the better!!!