What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Current research suggests this cancer begins in the fallopian tubes and moves to the ovaries, the twin organs that produce a woman’s eggs and the main source of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Treatments for ovarian cancer have become more effective in recent years, with the best results seen when the disease is found early.
Symptoms
Female reproductive organs
Female reproductive system Open pop-up dialog box
Early-stage ovarian cancer rarely causes any symptoms. Advanced-stage ovarian cancer may cause few and nonspecific symptoms that are often mistaken for more common benign conditions.
Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
*Abdominal bloating or swelling
*Quickly feeling full when eating
*Weight loss
*Discomfort in the pelvis area
*Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
*A frequent need to urinate
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you
If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer, talk to your doctor about your risk of ovarian cancer. Your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor to discuss testing for certain gene mutations that increase your risk of breast and ovarian cancers.