Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms often only appear in the later stages.

Symptoms include:

Abdominal discomfort and/or pain
Gas, indigestion , pressure, swelling, bloating, or cramps
Ascites
Nausea, diarrhea , constipation , or frequent urination
Loss of appetite
Feeling of fullness even after only a light meal
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Abnormal bleeding from the vagina
Hair growth, voice deepening, acne , loss of menstrual periods in some rare stromal tumors

These may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include:

Pelvic Exam

Your doctor will use her gloved finger to check your:

Uterus
Vagina
Ovaries
Fallopian tubes
Bladder
Rectum

She will check for lumps or a change in size or shape.

Diagnostic Tests

Your doctor will use a combination of tests to help diagnose your condition:

Ultrasound—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body
CT scan—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
MRI scan—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
Lower GI series or barium enema—injection of fluid into the rectum that makes the colon show up on an x-ray so the doctor can see abnormal spots
CA-125 assay—a blood test to measure the level of CA-125, a substance in the blood that may be elevated if ovarian cancer is present
OVA1 test—a blood test done after a pelvic mass is found; certain protein levels in the blood can indicate whether a pelvic mass is cancerous

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.