Ovarian cancer is a silent killer, which means it often goes undetected until it has spread beyond the ovaries and into other parts of the body.

This is what makes early detection so important – the earlier ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to detect in its early stages because it usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, there are some early ovarian cancer indicators that women should be aware of.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of these indicators and what you should do if you experience them.

Overview of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a cancer that begins in the ovaries – the two small glands in a woman’s pelvis that produce eggs.

There are many different types of ovarian cancer, but the most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer, which accounts for about 90% of all cases. This type of cancer affects the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary. The other two types, germ cell tumors and stromal tumors, are much less common.

Ovarian cancer usually doesn’t cause any symptoms in its early stages, which is why it is often not diagnosed until it has spread beyond the ovaries.

When ovarian cancer does cause symptoms, they can be vague and easily attributed to other conditions. Some of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer include:.

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Pain or pressure in the pelvis or abdomen
Feeling full quickly or having difficulty eating
Urinary urgency or frequency
Changes in bowel habits

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Keep in mind that these symptoms can be caused by many different conditions, not just ovarian cancer.

Your doctor will be able to help you figure out what’s causing your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

Early Ovarian Cancer Indicators

Because ovarian cancer usually doesn’t cause any symptoms in its early stages, it’s important to be aware of other indicators that might suggest that something is wrong. Some of these early ovarian cancer indicators include:.

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

If you experience any kind of abnormal vaginal bleeding, it’s important to talk to your doctor. This includes bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause, or unusually heavy periods.

While abnormal vaginal bleeding can be caused by many different things, it can also be an early sign of ovarian cancer.

Pelvic Pain

Many women experience pelvic pain at some point in their lives, but if you experience persistent pelvic pain that doesn’t go away, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

This can be a sign of ovarian cancer, especially if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms like bloating or difficulty eating.

Changes in Urinary Habits

If you suddenly find that you’re urinating more frequently or experiencing urinary urgency, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

These can be signs of ovarian cancer, especially if they’re accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain or bloating.

Changes in Bowel Habits

If you suddenly experience changes in your bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

These can be signs of ovarian cancer, especially if they’re accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain or bloating.

Abdominal Bloating or Swelling

If you experience persistent abdominal bloating or swelling, it’s important to talk to your doctor. While this can be caused by many different things, it can also be a sign of ovarian cancer.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of these early ovarian cancer indicators, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Keep in mind that these indicators can be caused by many different things, not just ovarian cancer.

Your doctor will be able to help you figure out what’s causing your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately:.

Sudden, severe abdominal pain
Difficulty breathing
Rapid heartbeat

These symptoms can indicate that ovarian cancer has spread beyond the ovaries and requires immediate medical attention.

Closing Thoughts

Ovarian cancer is a dangerous disease that can be difficult to detect in its early stages.

However, by being aware of the early ovarian cancer indicators discussed in this article, you can increase your chances of catching the disease early and getting the treatment you need. If you experience any of these indicators, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.