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
Imaging Tests
Tests that create pictures of the ovaries and surrounding tissues that will show if there is a tumor include:
- 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 your 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
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 © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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