Table of contents:
- Typical symptoms of ovarian cancer in women
- 1. Bloating persists
- 2. Constipation with no known cause
- 3. Bladder problems arise
- 4. Pain around the stomach or lower back
- 5. Fulfilled faster when eating
- Other accompanying signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
- 1. Decreased appetite and body weight
- 2. The body is tired
- When to see a doctor
Ovarian cancer cases (ovaries) in Indonesia are in the third rank that attacks women. The bad news, this disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. In fact, the sooner it is diagnosed, the higher the percentage to recover. That is why you need to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer. So, like the characteristics of ovarian cancer? Understand more deeply through the following reviews.
Typical symptoms of ovarian cancer in women
Ovarian cancer is caused by mutations in DNA in the cells around the ovaries, the organs responsible for producing eggs and sex hormones. Each woman has two paired ovaries; right and left, which are then connected to the fallopian tubes and cervix (cervix).
When cancer cells invade the ovaries, they can attack the cells lining the outer surface of the ovaries (epithelial tumors), ovum-producing cells (germinal tumors), and cells around the structural tissue fusing the ovum (stromal tumors).
Look at the illustration below to find out the characteristics of ovarian cancer. The picture on the left is a normal ovary and on the right is a cancerous ovary.
Source: Omni Prex
Without treatment, the cancer cells will spread and damage the function of the surrounding tissues or organs. Therefore, patients must get ovarian cancer treatment immediately, or at least prevent further complications of ovarian cancer.
Recognizing the symptoms of ovarian cancer can help you detect ovarian cancer earlier and lower the risk. To be clearer, let's discuss one by one the symptoms of this type of cancer.
1. Bloating persists
Bloating is a condition that is very common for all ages, from babies to the elderly. Usually, flatulence occurs as a result of drinking too much or when you eat vegetables that contain excess gas.
However, you should not underestimate this condition. The reason is, flatulence can be an early symptom (stage 1) of ovarian cancer in women. The difference with ordinary bloating, the condition that characterizes the early stages of ovarian cancer takes place every day and can last up to 3 weeks.
If you find swelling in the stomach (abdominal distension) accompanied by flatulence, this is a warning sign that you should see a doctor immediately.
2. Constipation with no known cause
Constipation is so common that it is often underestimated. In fact, this condition can be an early sign of ovarian cancer. This condition will certainly not improve, even if you have increased your fiber intake, drank lots of water, or taken constipation relievers.
Constipation without an obvious cause, you can suspect it as an early sign of cancer or other medical conditions that require doctor care.
3. Bladder problems arise
Cancer that develops in the ovaries can cause problems with the bladder. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be characterized by the following characteristics:
- Feeling pain or pressure in the bladder area.
- Urinating more frequently or not being able to hold back urination.
4. Pain around the stomach or lower back
Apart from bladder problems, you will also feel pain around your stomach or lower back which lasts for 1-3 weeks. The pain may go away, but will come back (recur). Sometimes, pain can also arise when you have vaginal penetration during sex.
Back pain can indeed be caused by many things, such as not drinking enough or sitting too long. However, if these symptoms occur continuously and are followed by the features of ovarian cancer mentioned above, you should see a doctor.
5. Fulfilled faster when eating
Ovarian cancer, which causes flatulence, makes you full quickly. This may occur due to a buildup of cancer cells that turn into tumors or cysts that turn into ovarian cancer, so that it fills your stomach, thus making your stomach full quickly even though you eat small portions.
Other accompanying signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
The symptoms mentioned above, are a typical sign of ovarian cancer in women. In addition to these symptoms, most women also experience common signs of cancer, such as:
1. Decreased appetite and body weight
It is very common for cancer patients to experience a thin body. This can happen because the weight continues to decrease drastically for no reason.
The cause is a decreased appetite for food because the stomach feels bloated and quickly full. As a result, the food intake that is received is only a small amount. The body will lack nutrients and eventually make cancer patients thin.
2. The body is tired
The effects of symptoms of lack of appetite can make the body tired. Why do these symptoms occur in ovarian cancer patients? This is because the body, which is supposed to get nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein, does not get these nutrients as needed.
All these nutrients become energy for cells, tissues and organs in the body to work normally. When there are not enough nutrients in the body, of course the body will be tired. You may not be able to do your usual activities because you tire quickly.
When to see a doctor
If you experience the symptoms of ovarian (ovarian) cancer mentioned above more than 12 times a month, immediately check with an oncologist. Especially if you have family members who have a history of this disease.
In order to diagnose ovarian cancer and determine the stage of ovarian cancer, your doctor will ask you to perform various medical tests. After that, the doctor can decide which treatment is appropriate, including surgical removal of the ovarian cancer, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
