Ovarian cancer

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Ascites with ovarian cancer, CT scan	Female reproductive anatomy	Ovarian cancer	Ovarian cancer dangers
Ovarian cancer metastasis	Ovarian growth worries	Peritoneal and ovarian cancer, CT scan	Uterus

Cancer - ovaries

• Sense of pelvic heaviness
• Vague lower abdominal discomfort
• Vaginal bleeding
• Weight gain or loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Unexplained back pain that worsens over time
• Increased abdominal girth
• Non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms:
  • Increased gas
  • Indigestion
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Inability to ingest usual volumes of food
  • Bloating

• Increased urinary frequency or urgency
• Excessive hair growth

A physical examination may reveal increased abdominal girth and ascites (fluid within the abdominal cavity). A pelvic examination may reveal an ovarian or abdominal mass.

Tests include:

• CBC
• Blood chemistry
• CA125
• Quantitative serum HCG (blood pregnancy test)
• Alpha fetoprotein
• Urinalysis
• GI series
• Exploratory laparotomy
• Ultrasound
• Abdominal CT scan or MRI of abdomen

Review Date: 09/11/2006
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.