Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States. Unfortunately, many times there are few early warning signs. And there is not a good screening modality for ovarian cancer.
Many patients experience vague signs and symptoms, including the following:
- Bloating
- Back pain
- Abdominal swelling or pain
- Changes in bowel or urinary habits
It is estimated that 5-10% of ovarian cancers are hereditary. Often, a patient will have a mass in the pelvis and fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites). The result of a blood test, Ca 125, is often elevated.