women s health issues
Ovarian Cancer, Fallopian Tube Cancer, and Peritoneal Cancer
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer causes the affected ovary to enlarge. In young women, enlargement of an ovary is likely to be caused by a noncancerous fluid-filled sac ( Functional ovarian cysts ). However, after menopause, an enlarged ovary can be a sign of ovarian cancer. Many women have no symptoms until the cancer is advanced. When symptoms are present, they are general. They include abdominal discomfort, bloating, loss of appetite, an early sense of fullness, a change in bowel habits, and frequent urination. Eventually, the abdomen may swell because the ovary enlarges or fluid accumulates in the abdomen (called Ascites ). At this stage, pain in the pelvic area, anemia, and weight loss are common. , which can cause tissue in the uterine lining to grow excessively and breasts to enlarge. Or these tumors may produce male hormones (androgens), which can cause body hair to grow excessively, or hormones that resemble thyroid hormones, which can cause symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland ( Hyperthyroidism ). 