Ovarian cancer history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Historically ovarian cancer was called the “silent killer” because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor. However, recent studies have shown this term is untrue and that some symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in the general population.
Symptoms
Studies on the accuracy of symptoms
Two case-control studies, both subject to results being inflated by spectrum bias, have been reported. The first found that women with ovarian cancer had symptoms of increased abdominal size, bloating, urge to pass urine and pelvic pain.[1] The smaller, second study found that women with ovarian cancer had pelvic/abdominal pain, increased abdominal size/bloating, and difficulty eating/feeling full.[2] The latter study created a symptom index that was considered positive if any of the 6 symptoms "occurred >12 times per month but were present for <1 year".They reported a sensitivity of 57% for early-stage disease and specificity 87% to 90%.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Consensus Statement
In 2007, the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and American Cancer Society originated the following consensus statement regarding the symptoms of ovarian cancer.[3]
Historically ovarian cancer was called the “silent killer” because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor. However, recent studies have shown this term is untrue and that the following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in the general population. These symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
Women with ovarian cancer report that symptoms are persistent and represent a change from normal for their bodies. The frequency and/or number of such symptoms are key factors in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Several studies show that even early stage ovarian cancer can produce these symptoms. Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist. Prompt medical evaluation may lead to detection at the earliest possible stage of the disease. Early stage diagnosis is associated with an improved prognosis.
Several other symptoms have been commonly reported by women with ovarian cancer. These symptoms include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation and menstrual irregularities. However, these other symptoms are not as useful in identifying ovarian cancer because they are also found in equal frequency in women in the general population who do not have ovarian cancer.
A sign is something that can be observed and recognized by a doctor or healthcare professional (for example, a rash). A symptom is something that only the person experiencing it can feel and know (for example, pain or tiredness). Ovarian cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms appear once the tumour grows into surrounding tissues and organs.
The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can also be caused by other health conditions. It is important to have any unusual symptoms checked by a doctor.
Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
abnormal vaginal bleeding a lump that can be felt (palpable) in the pelvic or abdominal area need to urinate often (frequency) intense need to urinate (urgency) constipation changes to digestion (such as difficulty eating, feeling full after a small meal, heartburn, gas , indigestion or nausea) feeling of pressure in the pelvic or abdominal area fatigue pain in the legs, lower back, pelvis or abdomen bloating (swelling of the abdomen) painful intercourse Other signs and symptoms may also occur with some types of ovarian cancer. Symptoms of stromal tumours include:
early puberty breast enlargement or tenderness menstrual irregularity in premenopausal women vaginal spotting in post-menopausal women hardening of the tissues of the vagina in post-menopausal women secondary male sex characteristics (such as increased growth of body and facial hair, deepened voice, male-pattern baldness or enlargement of the clitoris) Symptoms of germ cell tumours include:
early puberty fever Late signs and symptoms
Late signs and symptoms occur as the cancer grows larger or spreads to other parts of the body, including other organs.
buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites) buildup of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) weight loss bowel obstruction buildup of lymph fluid (lymphedema) in the legs
References
- ↑ Goff BA, Mandel LS, Melancon CH, Muntz HG (2004). "Frequency of symptoms of ovarian cancer in women presenting to primary care clinics". JAMA. 291 (22): 2705–12. doi:10.1001/jama.291.22.2705. PMID 15187051.
- ↑ Goff BA, Mandel LS, Drescher CW; et al. (2007). "Development of an ovarian cancer symptom index: possibilities for earlier detection". Cancer. 109 (2): 221–7. doi:10.1002/cncr.22371. PMID 17154394.
- ↑ "Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Consensus Statement" (pdf). Retrieved 2007-07-19.