Ovarian Cancer Information
Understanding the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for ovarian cancer.
Early detection and proper medical care are crucial for the best outcomes.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common include:
Persistent bloating
Swollen tummy
Pelvic or abdominal pain/discomfort
Loss of appetite or feeling full after eating small amounts
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
Indigestion or nausea
Changes in bowel habits
Pain during sexual intercourse
Back pain
Extreme tiredness
Unexplained weight loss
If you experience these symptoms, it's important to see your GP for further tests.
Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer
Several tests and scans can help identify ovarian cancer, including:
Produces detailed images of the ovaries and shows abnormalities
Checks if cancer has spread to other areas of the body
Tissue or cells are examined for cancer
A small camera is inserted into the abdomen to directly examine the ovaries
If ovarian cancer is suspected, these tests also help determine how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Treatment depends on the type of ovarian cancer, your overall health, and fertility considerations.
The main goal is to remove the cancer whenever possible.
Surgery + Chemotherapy
Often used together as first-line treatment
Targeted Therapies
PARP inhibitors, Angiogenesis inhibitors, MEK inhibitors
Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Delivering chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity
Radiation Therapy
Especially for isolated recurrences in the pelvic area
Clinical Trials
Access to new and emerging treatments
Complementary Therapies
Supportive care to improve wellbeing
Need Medical Advice?
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalised medical advice and treatment options.