Ovarian cancer (patient information)
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Editor-in-Chief: Jinhui Wu, MD
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What is ovarian cancer?
Ovaries are reproductive glands only in women. Its functions are to produce ova for reproduction and maintain the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer doesn't have any early symptoms. With the development of the cancer, frequent symptoms include heavy feeling in pelvis, pain in lower abdomen, bleeding from the vagina, weight gain or loss and abnormal periods. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of them.
How do I know if I have ovarian cancer and what are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Early ovarian cancer does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Heavy feeling in pelvis
- Pain in lower abdomen
- Bleeding from the vagina
- Weight gain or loss, loss of appetite
- Abnormal periods
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?
How to know you have ovarian cancer?
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for ovarian cancer?
Directions to Hospitals Treating ovarian cancer
Prevention of ovarian cancer
What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ovariancancer.html