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Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
This can occur during or after menopause, during a period, or even during a sexual encounter. This might occur as a result of the tumor spreading to other parts of the body, interfering with hormone levels, irritating or harming the reproductive organs, or all of the above.
In the advanced stages of ovarian cancer, the following symptoms may be experienced;
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
In the advanced stages of ovarian cancer, women may experience shortness of breath due to enlarging tumors restricting the full expansion of the lungs. If you are worried about your reproductive health and experience difficulty breathing, do visit your doctor.
Ascites: This is also called fluid buildup in the abdomen and can also present as a symptom of advanced ovarian cancer. With time, ovarian cancer spreads to the lining of the abdomen, which may cause ascites. This may also lead to difficulty in breathing.
Leg edema:
This is commonly referred to as leg swelling, it’s when too much fluid accumulates in the tissues of the legs. Leg swelling in advanced ovarian cancer may be caused by the tumor’s compression or obstruction of the vessels that transport fluids from the legs back to the heart.
Fluid accumulates in the pleural cavity: The space between the chest wall and the lungs is medically referred to as the pleural cavity. Fluid accumulation can happen when lymphatic vessels are blocked, or when cancer cells spread to the lining of the lungs. Breathlessness, chest pain, and coughing may occur as the fluid accumulates.
Conclusion
For an early diagnosis and effective treatment, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. It’s important to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, or changes in your bowel or bladder habits even though they may be caused by something else. Increased odds of a successful course of therapy and recovery are possible with early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer.
The risks of ovarian cancer can be decreased, according to John Hopkins Medicine, by following a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight for the rest of one’s life, using birth control pills, getting pregnant, and deciding to breastfeed (4).
References:
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/ovarian-cancer
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/ovarian-cancer
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/ovarian-cancer
