Early Warning Signs Of Ovarian Cancer

The ovaries are two organs, one located on each side of the uterus, that produce eggs. Ovarian cancer begins in one or both ovaries in the epithelial, germ, or stromal cells. The epithelial cells comprise the outer layer of the ovaries, the stromal cells make up each ovary’s structure, and germ cells turn into egg cells. Ovarian cancer develops as a result of a genetic mutation in the cells that cause them to divide and grow at abnormally fast rates. Certain genetic variations elevate a woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer.

Treatment for ovarian cancer is fairly similar to other forms of cancer. Patients will discuss precise strategies with their doctor, but general options include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for ovarian cancer. They will also take different medications as part of their ovarian cancer treatment. This is especially the case with medication for ovarian cancer treatment side effects. Of course, it is important to identify the symptoms of ovarian cancer first.

Pain In The Pelvis

Just about every type of cancer will cause patients to experience pain. In the case of ovarian cancer, women will often be dealing with pain in their pelvis. This discomfort can occur for several reasons, based on how a woman’s cancer is progressing. First, ovarian cancer can spread to the uterus and other tissues nearby. This makes the muscles in the uterus contract when they shouldn’t, triggering cramp-like pain.

Ovarian cancer may also spread to bowel tissues, and this often damages the intestines and reduces the large intestine’s function. Patients can then experience pelvic pain due to this damage. In addition to this, ovarian cancer can spread to the bladder, which would cause inflammation as well as the bladder muscles to contract when they shouldn’t. Once again, this triggers pain in the pelvis. Ascites may also trigger pain in the pelvic region because of organs in this area experiencing compression.

Get the details on ovarian cancer warning signs linked to the bowels next.

Constipation And Diarrhea

The location of the ovaries makes it quite easy for ovarian cancer to spread to the bowels. If it does spread to the bowels, the intestines will experience damage and inflammation. Overall, there will be an impairment in bowel function. This means patients can experience diarrhea or constipation. Diarrhea can happen if ovarian cancer damages the large intestine lining. This lining is what absorbs fluid from the stool, and when it doesn’t do this properly, the fluid is left there and women deal with diarrhea.

Alternatively, ovarian cancer that invades the bowels can obstruct the colon. This obstruction can either be partial or complete. Either way, a colon obstruction forces stool to remain in the large intestine for too long. When stool stays here, more fluid is absorbed from it. Absorbing too much causes constipation, making bowel movements more difficult to pass.

Find out how ovarian cancer can influence a woman’s appetite next.