The ovary is the female reproductive gland, which is responsible for producing eggs. Ovarian cancer is the formation of a tumor in the ovaries that can spread to other parts of the body. Read on to know more about the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Common symptoms of ovarian cancer
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to the signs of other common ailments. However, in the case of ovarian cancer, these symptoms tend to persist. Below is a list of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer.

• Pain and pressure
• Abnormal bloating
• Difficulty eating
• Increase and infrequency in the urge of urination
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Pressure on the lower back or in the pelvis
• Change in regular bowel movements
• Increase in the size of the abdomen
• Menstrual irregularities

Other symptoms
Apart from common symptoms, ovarian cancer can also manifest via the below-mentioned symptoms.

• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Back pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Constipation
• Skin rash, muscle inflammation, and muscle weakness due to dermatomyositis

Treatment
As already mentioned, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are often similar to other diseases, leading to overlooking of symptoms. The important thing to note is that symptoms of common ailments are easy to treat. However, if symptoms persist for a long time, then it is best to consult a doctor at the earliest. Early detection of ovarian cancer increases the chances of successful treatment. Ignoring symptoms can lead to the tumor growing and spreading to other parts of the body, making it difficult to treat ovarian cancer.

You should know that only around 20% of ovarian cancer cases in the country get an early diagnosis. In most cases, doctors can only recognize the disease when it has already progressed to the brain, intestine, spleen, fluid around the lungs, liver, or skin. The best way to avoid this is to be mindful of the symptoms and contact the doctor immediately.

See a specialist
It is vital to know the common symptoms of ovarian cancer to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. For instance, if you feel bloated constantly and have more than 12 occurrences of bloating in a month, it is time to visit a specialist. Also, if you have a family history of the disease or you over 50 years of age, do not take any chances with the symptoms.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can help you recognize the condition early, and it is one’s responsibility to be proactive about treatment. This will increase their chances of recovery.