Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

It is important to learn about the symptoms of ovarian cancer because it often goes undiagnosed until it is in an advanced stage. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are not impossible to detect. Some symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to other illnesses. That being said, one mistake people make is to shy aware from going to see their doctor because they think they may just be experiencing gas or menstrual cramps.

Importance of Spotting Ovarian Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Ovarian cancer can be successfully treated, and the earlier it is caught, the better. If you have the possible symptoms of ovarian cancer, you should consult with your doctor. If you have already been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and want to learn more about the available treatment options, call Cancer Treatment Centers of America at 888-841-9129 to speak with an Oncologist Information Specialist. Possible signs of ovarian cancer include:

• Gas
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Frequent urination
• Bloated abdomen
• Feeling extremely lethargic
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Severe cramps not related to menstruation

Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

Approximately 10 women in the United States will be diagnosed with a cancer of the reproductive organs every hour. Among the most common of those cancers are ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal and vulvar or tubal cancer.

There are some simple steps that you can follow that will help you detect and possibly prevent gynecologic cancers, ovarian being one of them. Y.C. Choo, MD, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist states "with four simple steps, women can safeguard themselves against these life-threatening diseases". The four steps to help you discover early symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

1. Family history - learn it. Find out if there is any history of ovarian, breast, colon, prostate, or uterine cancer in your family. The genetic risk for ovarian cancer can be passed down by either the mother or father. Family history is the biggest single risk factor for ovarian cancer. You should alert your gynecologist if you have a family history of cancer.
2. See your doctor - make an appointment. Make sure you get in for your annual gynecologic exam and PAP test. Women of all ages should have annual exams. Both exams are extremely important in helping detect cancers such as ovarian. During your examination, the doctor is able to feel if your uterus and ovaries are normal in size and shape. Your doctor can also detect any nodules or masses that may be in your pelvis. If your doctor locates a mass, it may be an indication of ovarian cancer and he or she may order additional tests. Remember, the earlier the cancer is detected, the better your prognosis will likely be.
3. Learn the symptoms of ovarian cancer. And remember to ask any questions you have for your gynecologist in regards to ovarian, cervical, or any other gynecologic cancers. Learning the warning signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may be the most valuable information you ever learn. It may save your life.
4. Risk assessment - take one. A risk assessment questionnaire can provide you with a personalized assessment of your risk for developing the various types of gynecologic cancers.

In regards to the first step listed above, if your family does have a history of ovarian cancer, your doctor may request you undergo a special type of pelvic ultrasound called transvaginal ultrasound to look for ovarian cancer symptoms.

During this test, a small instrument, called a vaginal probe, is inserted into the vagina. The probe emits sound waves which bounce off of internal organs. The reflections from these sound waves are seen on a special video screen, ultimately creating a "snapshot" of the pelvis. The one downside is that the ultrasound cannot determine if the abnormal conditions detected are cancerous.

To help determine whether or not they are, your doctor may use a transvaginal color flow Doppler. This technology helps doctors distinguish between normal blood vessels and those that are newly formed to feed a cancerous tumor by measuring the speed and resistance of blood flow through the vessels. This may help your doctor determine if the mass is cancerous or a benign cyst.

Choosing CTCA as your Treatment Center

The doctors and caregivers at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America know how difficult it can be to experience ovarian cancer symptoms and receive a diagnosis. We are here to help you handle ovarian cancer symptoms any way we can. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America offer both traditional and new therapies because we believe in treating the whole body, not just the disease. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. We are available any time day or night to discuss treatment options with you. You can choose to either contact us over the phone at 888-841-9129 or online via private online chat.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we are committed to helping people learn what the ovarian cancer signs and symptoms are. Our promise states that you and your healing are at the center of everything we do, and inform and drive our actions.