Women frequently disregard the first indications of ovarian cancer or believe that their symptoms are just a result of ageing, weight increase, or other less dangerous conditions. Due to this, ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose early on when it is most treatable. Despite the fact that ovarian cancer symptoms can be hazy, it's important to pay attention to how long they continue. If your symptoms are persistent, that is, they don't go away in one to three weeks, or aren't relieved by over-the-counter medications, talk to your doctor. Women may have a better chance of identifying ovarian cancer and treating it timely if they can identify these early symptoms. In this article, Dr. G. Vamshi Krishna Reddy, Director-Oncology Services, Consultant Medical Oncologist & Hemato Oncologist, Yashoda hospitals Hyderabad shares five possible signs of ovarian cancer.
1. Bloating
Most women have experienced bloating, a discomforting sensation of being overly full. Bloating is common, especially around the time of your periods, but daily bloating that lasts for up to three weeks is not common and needs attention.
This is one of the most prevalent early symptoms of ovarian cancer. If you feel bloated all the time along with stomach inflammation and abdominal distension, it might be a sign that something is wrong.
2. Constipation
Constipation is a typical gastrointestinal symptom of ovarian cancer. You need to be watchful towards frequent changes in your bowel movements. If you feel constipated and it is not relieved through any remedy or medication, get yourself checked for ovarian cancer.
Also Read: Important Guidelines For Ovarian Cancer Patients
3. Prolonged pain
If your lower back pain lasts for one to three weeks along with acute pain in the abdomen and pelvic region. While there are many illnesses that can coexist with these ambiguous ovarian cancer symptoms, you need to identify whether the pain is new or prolonged. See a doctor for a proper check-up.
4. Change in bladder functions
Women frequently assume they have a urinary tract infection when they have urinary difficulties like discomfort or urgency when urinating. It is sometimes UTI but not always. If you are troubled with urinary issues frequently, you could have a gynecologic or reproductive condition, such as ovarian cancer. The following are specific symptoms linked to ovarian cancer:
- Urinating frequently
- Having a sudden, pressing need to urinate
- Feeling pressure or pain in the bladder
5. Loss of appetite
One of the prominent signs of ovarian cancer is loss of appetite. This could be due to other reasons too but if you suffer loss of appetite along with abdominal pain and cramping, it could be ovarian cancer. Early indications of ovarian cancer include losing appetite, feeling full quickly, and having trouble finishing even small meals.
These are some of the initial signs of ovarian cancer. Women should not ignore any unusual symptom which may be due to an underlying disease like cancer. Timely detection can help receive timely treatment.
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