Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent killer.” This is because its symptoms are often mistaken for other, less serious conditions. 

It’s important to know the biggest symptom of ovarian cancer to catch it early. Common signs include persistent ovarian pain and discomfort in the pelvic area. Knowing these symptoms of ovarian cancer helps people get medical help quickly.

Key Takeaways

• Ovarian cancer symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions.
• Recognizing the biggest symptom is key for early detection.
• Common signs include persistent ovarian pain and discomfort.
• Understanding symptoms can help individuals seek medical attention.
• Early detection is key to effective treatment.

Understanding Ovarian Cancer

The term ‘ovarian cancer’ includes many types of cancers that start in the ovaries.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, which are key female organs for egg production. It’s called a “silent killer” because its symptoms are often unclear and similar to other common issues.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer has several types, each based on where it starts.

• Epithelial ovarian cancer: This is the most common type, starting from the outer layer of the ovary.
• Germ cell ovarian cancer: These cancers start in the egg-producing cells.
• Stromal ovarian cancer: This type begins in the ovary’s connective tissue.

Knowing the different types of ovarian cancer is key to finding the best treatment.

Type of Ovarian Cancer	Description	Frequency
Epithelial	Arises from the outer layer of the ovary	Most common (about 90%)
Germ Cell	Begins in the cells that produce eggs	Less common (about 5%)
Stromal	Originates in the connective tissue of the ovary	Rare (about 1%)

Persistent Bloating: The Hallmark Symptom

Ovarian cancer often shows up as persistent bloating. This isn’t just feeling gassy after eating. It’s a serious and ongoing issue that can really affect a woman’s life.

Bloating from ovarian cancer is not like the usual bloating women get. It’s a constant feeling of being full or swollen in the belly. It doesn’t get better with usual fixes like medicine or changing what you eat.

Why Bloating is the Most Significant Warning Sign

Bloating is a key symptom because many women with ovarian cancer report it. It’s important because it can be an early sign of the disease.

The persistence and severity of bloating set it apart from normal bloating. Women with ovarian cancer often feel very full or swollen, even without eating a lot.

How Ovarian Cancer Bloating Differs from Normal Bloating

It’s important to know the difference between normal bloating and bloating from ovarian cancer. Normal bloating is usually due to food, hormones, or other harmless reasons. But bloating from ovarian cancer lasts a long time and often comes with other symptoms.

Characteristics	Normal Bloating	Ovarian Cancer Bloating
Duration	Temporary, often related to meals or hormonal changes	Persistent, lasting for weeks or longer
Severity	Mild to moderate	Often severe and uncomfortable
Associated Symptoms	May be accompanied by gas, belching	Often accompanied by pelvic pain, difficulty eating, urinary urgency

Knowing these differences can help women figure out if their bloating is serious. It might be a sign to see a doctor.

Common Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

It’s important to know the common symptoms of ovarian cancer for early detection. Ovarian cancer symptoms can be similar to other health issues. This makes it hard to diagnose.

Pelvic and Abdominal Pain

Pelvic and abdominal pain is a common symptom of ovarian cancer. This pain can feel like a dull ache or sharp stabbing. It can happen often or sometimes.

Feeling Full Quickly

Feeling full quickly when eating is another symptom. This can happen even with small amounts of food. The tumor can press on the stomach or digestive system.

Urinary Urgency or Frequency

Urinary urgency or frequency is also common. The tumor can put pressure on the bladder. This leads to needing to urinate often or urgently.

These symptoms can also mean other health issues. But, if they keep happening, see a doctor.

Recognizing Early Signs of Ovarian Cancer

It’s important to spot the early signs of ovarian cancer to get medical help fast. Ovarian cancer often shows symptoms that can be confused with other, less serious issues. So, knowing these signs is key for women to get checked out quickly.

Subtle Changes to Watch For

Early signs of ovarian cancer can be hard to notice. They might include changes in bowel habits, feeling bloated, and pelvic pain. These symptoms are often mild and can be mistaken for other common problems, making it tough to catch ovarian cancer early.

• Bloating and Abdominal Swelling: Persistent bloating is a common symptom, often with a swollen belly.
• Pelvic Pain or Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area can be a sign of ovarian cancer, if it lasts.
• Difficulty Eating or Feeling Full Quickly: Women with ovarian cancer might lose their appetite or feel full after eating a little.

When Symptoms First Appear

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can show up before it’s diagnosed. Knowing when these symptoms start can help catch it early.

It’s important to remember that ovarian cancer symptoms can differ from woman to woman. Some symptoms might not seem related to ovarian cancer. After menopause, women should watch out for any new or ongoing symptoms.

1. Be aware of persistent bloating and abdominal swelling.
2. Report any pelvic pain or discomfort to your doctor.
3. Monitor changes in eating habits or feeling full quickly.

Where Ovarian Cancer Pain is Located

Ovarian cancer often causes pain in specific areas of the abdomen and pelvis. This is a key symptom to watch for. Knowing where and how the pain feels can help spot ovarian cancer early.

Understanding Ovary Location in the Body

The ovaries sit on either side of the uterus in the pelvic area. They are key to the female reproductive system, helping with hormone production and egg release. Because of their deep location, pain from the ovaries can feel like it’s coming from the lower abdomen or pelvic area.

Typical Pain Patterns and Sensations

Ovarian cancer pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp stab in the pelvic area. It might also spread to the lower back or legs.

Spotting these patterns early can help identify ovarian cancer symptoms.

Common characteristics of ovarian cancer pain include:

• Persistence: The pain doesn’t resolve on its own.
• Progression: The pain may worsen over time.
• Location: Typically felt in the lower abdomen or pelvis.

Knowing these signs can help tell ovarian cancer pain apart from other types of pain.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer patients often face gastrointestinal symptoms that can be mistaken for other issues. These symptoms can greatly affect their quality of life.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer in the gut can vary a lot. Yet, some patterns help us understand and spot these symptoms.

Changes in Bowel Habits

One symptom is a change in bowel habits. This can be constipation or diarrhea, or sometimes both. The tumor can press on the bowel or rectum, causing these changes.

Constipation is common, caused by the tumor’s pressure on the intestines. This slows down bowel movements, making it hard to pass stools. Some patients may have diarrhea due to the body’s reaction to the tumor or a partial bowel blockage.

Constipation and Diarrhea

Both constipation and diarrhea can be upsetting and harm a patient’s well-being. It’s important for those with persistent bowel changes to see their doctor. These symptoms can have many causes, but in ovarian cancer, they are part of a bigger set of symptoms needing medical check-up.

Knowing how ovarian cancer can cause changes in bowel habits, constipation, and diarrhea helps in early detection and treatment. Patients should talk about these symptoms with their healthcare provider.

Less Common Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Ovarian cancer can show itself in many ways, not just bloating and pelvic pain. Many women know the usual signs, but there are other symptoms that are just as important to notice.

Fatigue and Back Pain

Fatigue is a less common symptom of ovarian cancer. It’s not just feeling tired; it’s a deep exhaustion that doesn’t get better with rest. Back pain can also be a sign, caused by the tumor or by cancer spreading to the back or pelvic area.

It’s important to tell if your tiredness is normal or if it’s related to ovarian cancer. If you’re always tired and have other symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Menstrual Changes

Changes in menstrual patterns can also point to ovarian cancer. These might include irregular periods, heavier or lighter bleeding, or even stopping menstruation. While many things can cause these changes, they could mean ovarian cancer if you have other symptoms too.

Knowing your normal menstrual cycle is key. If you notice big changes, tell your doctor right away. Catching these changes early can help find and treat ovarian cancer sooner.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss is another symptom of ovarian cancer. Losing weight without trying can be a sign of health problems, including ovarian cancer.

If you’re losing weight without changing your diet or exercise, see your doctor. They can find out why you’re losing weight.

How Symptoms Differ by Ovarian Cancer Stage

Ovarian cancer symptoms change with the disease’s stage. Knowing these changes helps patients and doctors track the cancer’s progress. This knowledge aids in making treatment choices.

Early Stage Symptoms

In the early stages, symptoms are often mild and not clear. They can be mistaken for other issues. Common symptoms include:

• Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary urgency or frequency

These signs can be like symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or menopause.

Symptom	Early Stage	Advanced Stage
Bloating	Mild, occasional	Severe, persistent
Abdominal Pain	Intermittent	Constant, severe
Urinary Symptoms	Urgency or frequency	Incontinence, difficulty emptying bladder

Advanced Stage Symptoms

As ovarian cancer advances, symptoms worsen. They can greatly affect a patient’s life. Symptoms of advanced stages include:

• Severe abdominal pain or swelling
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
• Fatigue or back pain

A study in a Journal stresses the need to recognize these symptoms. It says advanced ovarian cancer symptoms need thorough management to better patient outcomes.

It’s key to know the symptoms of early and advanced ovarian cancer. Recognizing these signs early can lead to better treatment. Seeking medical help quickly is important for a good outcome.

Why Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Are Often Misdiagnosed

Ovarian cancer is hard to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of common conditions. This similarity often leads to misdiagnosis. It delays treatment and can make the disease worse.

Symptom Overlap with Common Conditions

Symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, and urinary urgency are often mistaken for other issues. These symptoms can be caused by many things, not just ovarian cancer. This makes it hard to know what’s wrong without tests.

Bloating, for example, can be from ovarian cancer or other problems like IBS or PMS. Pelvic pain can be from endometriosis, fibroids, or cysts. Without the right tests, it’s hard to say if it’s ovarian cancer.

The Challenge of Early Detection

Finding ovarian cancer early is key to better survival rates. But, its symptoms are not clear. Women often have symptoms for months before they get diagnosed.

There’s no simple test for ovarian cancer like there is for some other cancers. Doctors usually find it after symptoms lead to a visit. Then, they do tests to figure out what’s wrong.

Improving awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms is vital. Knowing the symptoms and how they can be confused with others helps doctors. This leads to quicker and better care.

Risk Factors for Developing Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer risk comes from genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Knowing these risks helps women and doctors spot early signs. This could lower the chance of getting the disease.

Genetic and Family History

A big risk factor is having a family history of ovarian cancer. Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) diagnosed have a higher risk. Certain genetic mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, also raise the risk. These genes also increase breast cancer risk.

Genetic tests can find these mutations. Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations might choose more screening or prevention.

Age and Lifestyle Factors

Age is a key risk factor, with most cases in women over 50. Lifestyle choices, like reproductive history, hormone therapy, and obesity, also raise the risk.

Women who never got pregnant or had trouble might face a higher risk. Hormone therapy, like estrogen, also increases risk. Staying at a healthy weight is important, as obesity is linked to many health issues, including ovarian cancer.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer

Diagnosing ovarian cancer is a detailed process. It includes several tests and exams. This helps doctors find the disease accurately and choose the right treatment.

Physical Examination

A physical exam is the first step in finding ovarian cancer. A doctor checks the pelvic area for any unusual masses or tenderness. They also take a detailed medical history to look for risk factors or symptoms related to ovarian cancer.

Key components of a physical examination for ovarian cancer diagnosis include:

• Pelvic exam to check for abnormalities
• Medical history to identify risk factors and symptoms
• Overall physical assessment to check for any other signs of illness

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are key in diagnosing ovarian cancer. They help doctors see the ovaries and surrounding tissues. This allows them to spot any tumors or abnormalities.

Common imaging tests used in ovarian cancer diagnosis include:

• Ultrasound: uses sound waves to create images of the ovaries
• CT scan: uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body
• MRI: uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of the ovaries and surrounding tissues

Blood Tests and Biomarkers

Blood tests and biomarkers are important in diagnosing ovarian cancer. These tests look for specific proteins or substances in the blood linked to ovarian cancer.

Common blood tests and biomarkers used in ovarian cancer diagnosis include:

Test	Description
CA-125	Measures the level of CA-125 protein in the blood, which can be elevated in ovarian cancer
HE4	Measures the level of HE4 protein in the blood, which can be elevated in ovarian cancer
Other biomarkers	May include tests for other proteins or genetic markers associated with ovarian cancer

Surgical Diagnosis

Surgery is often the most sure way to diagnose ovarian cancer. During surgery, a tissue sample is taken and checked for cancer cells.

The surgical diagnosis process typically involves:

1. Laparoscopy or laparotomy to access the ovaries and surrounding tissues
2. Biopsy of suspicious tissue
3. Examination of the tissue by a pathologist to confirm the presence of cancer cells

When to See a Doctor About Possible Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be hard to spot. But, some signs are clear warnings to see a doctor. Normal bloating or pelvic pain is okay sometimes. But, if these symptoms don’t go away or get worse, it’s time to get checked.

Red Flags That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Some symptoms might mean you have a health problem, like ovarian cancer. Watch out for these red flags:

• Persistence: Symptoms that keep coming back or get worse.
• Severity: Pain or discomfort that really hurts and stops you from doing things.
• Unusual Changes: Vaginal bleeding that’s not normal or changes in how you go to the bathroom.

“The key to surviving ovarian cancer is early detection. Women should be aware of the symptoms and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.”

Preparing for Your Doctor’s Appointment

Before you go to the doctor, get ready by:

1. Keeping a Symptom Journal: Write down when your symptoms happen, how bad they are, and what makes them better or worse.
2. Listing Your Medications: Tell your doctor about all the medicines and supplements you’re taking.
3. Noting Your Medical History: Share any health problems you’ve had or if your family has a history of cancer.

Preparation Step	Description
Symptom Journal	Record symptom details to discuss with your doctor.
Medication List	Share your current medications and supplements.
Medical History	Inform your doctor about any relevant medical conditions or family history.

Being ready and knowing the red flags helps you take care of your health. This way, you might catch ovarian cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.

Prevention and Screening for Ovarian Cancer

Preventing ovarian cancer is a mix of knowing your genes, changing your lifestyle, and getting regular check-ups. We don’t know what causes ovarian cancer, but knowing the risks and acting early can help. This might lower your risk.

Risk Reduction Strategies

There are ways to lower your chance of getting ovarian cancer. These include:

• Genetic Testing: If your family has a history of ovarian or breast cancer, testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 can show your risk.
• Oral Contraceptives: Taking birth control pills can lower your risk of ovarian cancer.
• Breastfeeding: Nursing your baby can also lower your risk of ovarian cancer.
• Tubal Ligation or Hysterectomy: Some surgeries, like tubal ligation or hysterectomy, might also help.

A study in a Journal found that using birth control for 5 years or more can greatly lower ovarian cancer risk.

“Oral contraceptive use has been consistently associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer, with the risk decreasing with increasing duration of use.”

Current Screening Recommendations

Screening for ovarian cancer is hard because early symptoms are rare. But, there are tests for women at high risk:

Screening Method	Description	Frequency
Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS)	An ultrasound test that uses a probe inserted into the vagina to examine the ovaries.	Annually
CA-125 Blood Test	A blood test that measures the level of CA-125, a protein that can be elevated in ovarian cancer.	Annually

For women at average risk, there’s no recommended screening for ovarian cancer yet. Scientists are working hard to find good screening methods for early detection.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that affects thousands of women each year. It’s important to know the symptoms early for effective treatment. Common symptoms include persistent bloating, pelvic and abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency.

Understanding these symptoms and knowing the risk factors is key. This helps individuals seek medical attention quickly. A summary of the article’s key points shows how vital it is to recognize ovarian cancer signs and get regular screenings.

By staying informed and vigilant, women can take steps to protect their health. If you notice any unusual symptoms, see a healthcare professional right away. They can provide the necessary evaluation and care.

FAQ

References

1. National Health Service. (2023). Ovarian cancer – Symptoms. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/symptoms/
2. American Cancer Society. (2024). Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html
3. Karst, A. M., & Jones, T. M. (2020). Screening for Ovarian Cancer. The Medical Clinics of North America, 104(3), 483“497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2020.02.008