Symptoms

Early ovarian cancer usually has no symptoms. For this reason, nearly 75 percent of women who develop this disease have already progressed past the early stage when they are first diagnosed.

Even in its later stages, ovarian cancer may be associated with vague and often ignored symptoms. As the tumor enlarges, she may experience:

• Feeling bloated and full
• Swollen or puffy abdomen
• Nausea, indigestion, gas
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Problems with urination
• Weight loss
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

Many non-cancerous conditions can cause these symptoms. However, it is important to check with a doctor for appropriate assessment.

More on Ovarian Cancer

In the Encyclopedia:

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.