Taking these signs of ovarian cancer quite seriously is essential because there is no current screening system for ovarian cancer in women who don't have early symptoms or have no family history of the disease and don't have BRCA genes (which puts them at an increased risk for contracting ovarian cancer.)
The two most common early signs of ovarian cancer are a sudden change in a woman's menstrual cycle, usually accompanied by increased pressure on the uterus and / or abdomen, and pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen. This is often followed by infertility. If a woman has had multiple children, her periods may become heavier and last longer. In some cases, ovulation cycles may not occur at all, leading to infertility. Sometimes the condition can go away after a woman's menstrual cycle stops, but it is important to consult a doctor to determine if this is the case.
Another common symptom unusual vaginal odor may be associated with a discharge that contains blood. In rare cases, a lump may be present in the vaginal area. This is most often found during a gynecological examination. If any of these signs are present, see your doctor immediately.
Some of the other symptoms women often experience are headaches, mood swings, night sweats, pain and cramps, and frequent urination. Not everyone gets them, so don't be surprised if you get some or all of these symptoms. While irregular menstruation or irregular menstrual periods are just possible, more serious symptoms are also possible.
Another sign of ovarian cancer that women may see is bleeding after menstruation. This is especially true if the condition is more advanced than usual.
If the early symptoms are combined with the earlier symptoms, it can make a woman a little bit nervous. For instance, you can feel a little bit self-conscious if you are experiencing the symptoms that are commonly associated with ovarian cancer, such as the changes in your menstrual cycle and the smell coming from your vagina. However, remember that if you think that you're having problems with your reproductive system, it's always best to check with your doctor right away. And remember that just because you're feeling something, it doesn't mean that you have ovarian cancer.
You may be able to look for some signs of ovarian cancer when it first appears, but because of the fact that there isn't a diagnostic test available to catch it at its early stages, it's best to watch for early symptoms. That way, if you think you do, you can do something about it before it gets worse.
Even if you do have these early symptoms, the sooner you catch them, the less likely you are to have the problem. So, take precautions so that you know what to do if something happens.
The first thing you need to understand is that the symptoms of ovarian cancer are not always the same in every case. You might have more than one symptom at the same time, and they might not all be as severe in each case.
A common sign of ovarian cancer is the fact that the ovaries become tender or swollen, but they aren't necessarily painful. But if the condition gets worse and lasts for a long time, or if you get a fever, pain and/or any abnormal bleeding, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Another symptom of ovarian cancer is the development of cysts. Many cysts are harmless, and many others can actually disappear on their own. However, some cysts can be cancerous (endometrial) in nature and need to be treated accordingly. If you suspect that you have a cyst, you'll want to seek treatment as soon as possible.
If you've ever had a miscarriage, a birth defect, a cyst, an ectopic pregnancy, or a growth in a man fallopian tube, then you are more susceptible to developing ovarian cancer. Women who have had surgery to remove the ovaries or undergone breast cancer surgery are more likely to get this type of cancer. And even though it's very rare, it is possible for someone who has never had a child to get it.