Symptoms

Ovarian cancer may grow for some time before the cancer mass is large enough to cause significant symptoms. Occasionally, some women may experience some symptoms even in early stages, such as pelvic pain. Because the symptoms are vague and often resemble those of common benign conditions, such as menstrual disorders and intestinal illnesses, they often do not raise suspicion

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Symptoms are most evident when the tumor interferes with pelvic organs or spreads into the abdominal cavity. Some include the following:

• The most common first symptoms are caused by fluid buildup (ascites) or masses within the abdominal cavity. These symptoms include bloating, pain, pressure, or discomfort.
• If the cancer spreads to the diaphragm, fluid may collect around and under the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
• Pressure on the stomach can also cause loss of appetite or a feeling of fullness, even after a very light meal.
• Some women describe their symptoms as "feeling about four months pregnant."
• When the tumor presses on organs near the ovaries, such as the bowel or bladder, the woman may experience gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or frequent urination.
• Other symptoms, which are less frequent, include abnormal vaginal bleeding, fever, and lower backache.