Cancer is something that should be noticed immediately to increase its chances of effective treatment with minimal damage to the body. It will help us tremendously to know the signs to watch out for so we would know when to get or seek help from people who have the right and necessary experience in the required area. Cancer does not only affect the patients but it also affects the people around them as well.
These are the 12 signs of ovarian cancer in women, they may show up as symptoms that could easily be overlooked because they are similar to many other conditions, however, there are certain types of characteristics of these symptoms that separates it from regular symptoms. Most of it being consistent, extremely painful, and changes in regular situations. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately consult a doctor for more information.
Bloating
Ovarian cancer related bloating will grow continuously, it will not go away after a few days. Some women may think it is because of their period or their unhealthy diet, making these changes to fix these, yet the bloating will not go away, then you should seek medical attention, there may be an serious underlying medical condition, most likely ovarian cancer. Early cancer diagnosis allows treatment to work effectively, with minimal damage.
Pain in Pelvic Or Abdominal Region
Some women have said that it feels like a menstrual cramp, most women experience uncomfortable cramps, it is easy to overlook this feeling. Although, it is uncommon for these tumors to cause pain in the abdomen or pelvis, and since it feels very similar to period cramps, it is very easy to ignore this problems. If you’re having period cramps at an unusual time, especially not at the right time in the month, you should consult a doctor.
Feeling Full Quickly
When you are usually eating more before and all of a sudden, you are not able to finish your meals, or having little interest in eating. Usually women with advanced ovarian cancer have ascites. The cancer cells spread to the lining of the abdomen, then it irritates it and cause the fluid to build up, some cancers may block part of the lymphatic system, then fluid can’t be drained out of the abdomen like it normally does.
Urinary Symptoms Such As Urgency Or Frequency
Women may feel the need or urge to go to the bathroom frequently, but when they get there, nothing happens, or just a trickle. Even if they drink a lot of water, this problem is noticeable, it is an escalated problem. This happens when the ovarian cancer cells have studded the outside of the bladder wall, this may also occur when ascites in the pelvis have accumulated enough to compress the bladder, causing the feeling to urinate.
Difficulty In Breathing
This symptom will probably present itself later. Women have said to have felt pressure in their lungs but they were already at stage 3 or 4. The discomfort would come and go, difficulty in breathing may happen especially when lying down. As the tumors grow large, they may begin to press against the lungs and obstruct the lungs and prevent a person to properly inhale and exhale. If you experience this, seek medical attention immediately.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the symptoms that are presented for women if they have ovarian cancer. Fatigue isn’t tiredness. Look for persistence, everyone gets tired on a particular day, but if it is persistent, you should let your doctor know about it. It is usually accompanied with a few other things such as pain, changes in bowel habits, appetite loss, frequent need to go to the bathroom and bloating.
Upset Stomach
General discomforts in the abdomen is common for ovarian cancer. Some may come as heartburns, some may be experiencing gas, all of which may lead to an ovarian cancer diagnosis. It is recommended to get checked regularly, most people have check-ups every 6 months, this will allow anything that is developing, included cancer, to develop further and cause more damage.
Back Pain
Excruciating back pain, some women experience this, it is extremely painful, if you have back problems, then this is something to worry about. This pain is severe, it interrupts day-to-day activities and even sleep. It will feel different from other back pains. Women with ovarian cancer could experience these back pains when the fluids build up in the pelvis, or when the tumor spreads in the abdomen or pelvis, it will directly irritate the lower back.
Pain During Intercourse
With the presence of cysts on the ovaries, pain may present itself during sex. This happens because ovaries can be knocked by the penis during intercourse, the cysts will then leak fluid. Cyst formation is a normal part of period cycle, however these cysts are small. Usually larger cysts are the ones that are more likely to leak and cause pain. For women who have passed their menopause, these ovarian cysts could be a sign of ovarian cancer.
Constipation
Just like discomforts in the abdominal region, constipation is one that is related to that. Many may assume constipation is not a big problem because many things may cause constipation. Usually it will be a combination symptoms, along with bloating and pain. These symptoms will only get worse, if it does, then you will need to consult with a doctor to investigate for a serious underlying problem like ovarian cancer. Women living with stressful lives may ignore the problem, please do not do that, it is better to get early diagnosis than a later one.
Changes In Period
Women with a history of menstrual irregularities were twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer, and this risk increases with age. Period irregularities can be caused by many things, pregnancy, stress, strenuous exercise, low body fat, and hormonal imbalances. It is rare for irregular periods to be a sign of something serious, however they may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. If you are experiencing these irregularities, you should contact your doctor.
Weight Loss
Like most cancer symptoms, weight loss is one of them. Similar to stomach cancer, ovarian cancer will develop into a large size and it may press against the stomach. The growth itself causes bloating, and a loss of appetite. Cancer in the gastrointestinal tract will cause appetite loss, it is very common. If you are losing a noticeable amount of weight, without being physically active, and not on any diet, it may be a more serious problem.
Conclusion
There are many signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, all of which can be discovered if you pay attention to your body and its general normal habits. If there is any changes that is not normal, you should consult your doctor and get the right treatments, however this may be costly, with AXA eMedic Online Medical Card, for the price of only RM 32/month, you can get yourself and your family insured.
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