From Comments from Ajit Gubbi, DO, gynecologic oncologist with OHC; original article by Jennifer Huizen, Medical News Today, June 2018

July 18, 2018

It is often difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer in its early stages because the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Anyone who experiences unexplained abdominal symptoms that last for more than two weeks should see a doctor.

Ovarian cancer can also be challenging to detect early because the ovaries are small and located deep in the abdomen, making any growths that might be on them hard for a doctor to feel.

“Ovarian cancer can be treated effectively, but that’s when it’s caught early. It’s usually found in late stages after it’s spread, and at that point, treatment isn’t as effective,” says Ajit Gubbi, DO, a gynecologic oncologist with OHC.

According to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), only around 19 percent of ovarian cancer is diagnosed in the early stages.

What are the early signs of ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer does not cause any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. The symptoms most associated with ovarian cancer tend to develop in the later stages of the condition, as growths put pressure on the bladder, uterus, and rectum. However, these symptoms of ovarian cancer can develop at any stage of the condition and include:

  • bloating
  • feeling full quickly after starting to eat or lack of appetite
  • the need to urinate more frequently or urgently than normal
  • a pressure in the lower back or pelvis
  • back pain
  • increase abdominal girth or abdominal swelling
  • menstrual changes
  • pelvic or abdominal pain or cramping
  • indigestion or upset stomach
  • nausea
  • unexplained exhaustion
  • constipation
  • painful sex
  • weight loss

When to see a doctor
“The problem is these symptoms are also symptoms of many other conditions. So it’s important to really know your body, and when something doesn’t seem right or normal for your body, talk with your doctor,” said Dr. Gubbi.

To ensure the very best outcome, a person should talk to their family doctor or their gynecologist about any potential symptoms as soon as possible. Signs can include any unexplained symptoms of ovarian cancer, or any new abdominal or pelvic symptoms, that are unrelated to another diagnosed condition, do not respond to basic treatment (for example, back pain that does not go away with rest and icing) last for more than 2 weeks, and occurs for more than 12 days a month.

Risk factors
Risk factors that may make some people more likely to develop ovarian cancer than others include:

  • a family history of breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer
  • having Lynch syndrome
  • obesity
  • endometriosis
  • having the BRCA1 and BRAC2 gene
  • never being pregnant
  • some fertility and hormone medications
  • age, most cases develop after menopause

It’s also a good idea for those who have a strong family history of breast, ovarian, uterine, or colon cancer to talk to their doctors about undergoing genetic counseling.

“If your ancestors had cancer, they may have had a mutation in their chromosomes, genes, or proteins. And that mutation can be passed along to other family members. Genetic testing can identify these mutations,” explained Dr. Gubbi.

People who test positive for a gene mutation are presented with options for a proactive, individualized care plan that could include surveillance, risk reduction medications, or preventative surgery. The impact of genetic testing results on family members is also discussed.

Diagnosis
Experiencing some of the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer does not mean that a person has the disease. In fact, ovarian cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer, representing an estimated 1.3 percent of all cancer cases newly diagnosed in 2018 in the United States. This means that the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are much more likely to be caused by other, far less severe conditions than ovarian cancer.

Anyone who has unexplainable pelvic or abdominal symptoms that are severe, last for more than 2 weeks, or do not go away with primary care should talk with their doctors as soon as possible.

For more information about ovarian cancer, call OHC at 1-888-649-4800 or visit ohcare.com.