What are the symptoms and diagnostic tests of ovarian cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 35-year-old woman, I have had pcod issues and I am managing them with a good diet, and exercise. Currently, I am not under any medication. But sometimes there is too much stress in my life. In addition, I am hearing a lot about ovarian cancer. I wanted to know about its symptoms or initial signs and ways to find them, what are the screening tests available? When should a woman undergo such tests? Is there any way to prevent it? Kindly suggest, as I want to stay away from such problems.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

There are quite several risk factors for ovarian cancer, however, a history of ovarian cancer in a first-degree relative or a history of other endometrial cancer in a first-degree relative. So, individuals with these risk factors should have a transvaginal ultrasound scan done at least once a year to examine their ovaries for early signs of abnormality. Also, some tumor markers can sometimes be used for screening, though these are not specific tests. Ca-125 can be used for screening. So, to prevent ovarian cancer, do a transvaginal ultrasound scan yearly and Ca-125. Symptoms of ovarian cancer are nonspecific and occur mainly when diseases are advanced already. That is why screening is important. Common symptoms include abdominal swelling, dyspepsia (indigestion), and weight loss (initially a weight gain because of accumulation of fluid in the abdomen). I hope you find this information helpful.

Thank you.