Ovarian cancer symptoms in the early stage are hardly noticeable and are nonspecific. Hence, this deadly cancer of the female reproductive system has a high mortality rate due to lack of early detection. The early symptoms are often mistaken as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome or other common benign state or condition.
However, the American Cancer Society and other Oncologic Foundations have listed some ovarian cancer symptoms which can help early screening, detection, diagnosis and treatment of this life threatening disease. Early ovarian cancer symptoms and signs although vague may include:
– Fatigue and feeling of lethargy
– Abdominal swelling and bloating
– Pain in the abdomen and pelvic region
– Changes in the bowel habits like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome
– Sudden weight loss
– Urinary frequency or other changes in urinary habits
– Generalized discomfort.
– Extreme back pain
– Leg swelling
– Shortness of breath
Usually the above common ovarian cancer symptoms if persistent are cause of worry and can lead to diagnosis. Statistical data shows that this is the 8th common cancer in women in USA. The high death rate recorded is due to the lack of early diagnosis. The Cancer Foundation news demonstrates that this cancer is 90% curable if detected in stage I. But due to lack of proper symptoms, it is mistaken as other benign disease
and it goes undiagnosed in the early stage.
However these symptoms do not always indicate ovarian cancer. If you are suspicious and have these symptoms persistently for a prolonged period of time, then it must be considered as a warning signal. If you have a history of cancer or ovarian cancer in the family, then best is to get diagnosed by a doctor. On the basis of suspicion, the doctor can do various laboratory tests, imaging studies, PET scan and make an
accurate diagnosis.
In certain cases borderline tumors are present with the above symptoms which lead to large masses in one or both the ovaries and can cause exacerbating pain in the pelvic region. Formerly, ovarian cancer was considered as a silent disease as early symptoms of ovarian cancer were very vague. But with medical
advancement, it can be diagnosed at an early stage. Hence the outcome is quite good.
The aged women particularly after menopause are at high risk of this cancer. This cancer affects only women after 40+ years of age. Hence, if the above symptoms persist for longer periods of time and get worse, consult your GP and get screening done for ovarian cancer.
As this cancer affects many women in the advanced age, the early common symptoms must not be ignored.
Although all symptoms may not definitely lead to ovarian cancer but as the symptoms of ovarian cancer are very similar to other conditions, the early signs can help to prevent disease metastases.
In a nutshell, ovarian cancer is curable if the disease is diagnosed in its first stage. If the symptoms are getting worse and hindering your daily activities and are unusual, consult your health advisor immediately.
Timely diagnosis can save lives of many. Thus do not ignore but pay heed to early ovarian cancer symptoms.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
I hope that I reported.
Regards Ayoub Arade
via Skin Cancer Advices http://ift.tt/1uPKAAo