Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynaecological cancer in the US and the third most common gynaecological cancer in India. Now, this cancer type is termed 'the silent killer' because of its typical discreet symptoms that often remain misinterpreted or unnoticed, leading to delayed diagnosis.

In only one in five cases, women visit a cancer doctor in Noida or other places after the early detection of ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are often subtle and overlap with different health conditions. Moreover, no early screening is available for this cancer. All these adverse conditions reduce the chance of a person's survival from ovarian cancer.

Why is Ovarian Cancer Increasing in India? Dr. Manish Singhal

However, amid all these scary facts about ovarian cancer, we're going to share some hidden or silent signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer that may make you warned at an early stage.

10 Silent Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

In the early stage, ovarian cancer often remains asymptotic. Even its advanced-stage symptoms are nonspecific and frequently mistaken for other common benign conditions. Therefore, it's highly recommended to consult the best oncologist in Noida and Delhi NRC as soon as you experience any of the following conditions –

1.    Persistent Abdominal Discomfort

One of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer is abdominal discomfort and bloating. People with ovarian cancer may experience this occasional bloating after eating a large meal or before and at the start of periods.

In most cases, this cancer spreads through the abdominal cavity, the space that contains the uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and other organs. As the cancer starts spreading, individuals may experience fluid (ascites) buildup inside their abdominal or belly.

2.    Pelvic or Abdominal Pain or Cramping

Feeling pain and discomfort in the abdominal or pelvis is another most common symptom of ovarian cancer. Since many women report this pain or cramp feeling is similar to their period cramps, many often mistake it as harmless menstrual cramps. Some also feel squeezing or pressure in their pelvic or abdominal areas.

Instead of assuming this pain as a menstrual or tummy problem, it's highly advisable to visit a good cancer specialist in Delhi NCR for further diagnosis.

3.    Lack of Appetite or Feeling Full after a Light Meal

Due to ascites or fluid buildup in the peritoneum, people with ovarian cancer often feel full most of the time, even after a light meal. Loss of appetite is also a common symptom of this cancer.

4.    Urinary Problems

Since ovaries are closely located in the bladder, sudden changes in ovaries due to ovarian cancer also affect the bladder and urinary tract. Another common symptom of ovarian cancer is an increased urge to urinate. Some urinary symptoms related to ovarian cancer are –

Urge to feel more frequently

False sense of urgency to urinate

Pain or pressure in the bladder

Urine leaks

5.    Unexplained Exhaustion

Women with ovarian cancer may experience pain or pressure in the lower back of the pelvis when the tumour starts spreading through the abdomen or pelvic area. As a result, they often feel exhausted without any specific reason.

6.    Menstrual Changes

Women with ovarian cancer may experience bleeding or spotting between menstruation cycles or vaginal bleeding after menopause. However, it is considered a less common or silent symptom of ovarian cancer. A 2022 ovarian cancer study revealed that only 13% of women with ovarian cancer experienced vaginal bleeding as their early symptom.

Even a person may see changes in their period cycle, heavier bleeding than usual, or missing a period as the symptom of ovarian cancer.

However, it's crucial to remember that these are common symptoms of pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, or other health issues. Hence, it's highly recommended to visit a reputable cancer doctor in Delhi or another location for further assessment of these symptoms.

Other Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

7.       Unexplained pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse

8.       Sudden weight loss or weight gain

9.       Abdominal swelling

10.   Changes in bathroom habits

When to Visit an Oncologist

We cannot deny that most of these early signs of ovarian cancer may also be caused by noncancerous health issues. However, we must not ignore these silent symptoms. A person should consult an experienced oncologist in Delhi if she experiences unusual symptoms, lasting for several weeks.

If you have already been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or experienced any of these early silent symptoms, feel free to consult with Dr. Manish Singhal, the best cancer doctor in Noida and Delhi NCR and the founder of the Cancer Consult India (CCI), and get cured of this dangerous disease.

Remember that most people with ovarian cancer can get cured if it is detected and treated early. So, let your doctor help you before it spreads.