Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Last medical review:

Ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer don't often cause any signs and symptoms in their early stages. Signs and symptoms often appear as the tumour grows and spreads, causing changes in the body such as a lump that can be felt in the pelvis or abdomen. Other health conditions can cause the same signs and symptoms as these cancers.

The signs and symptoms of ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer include:

  • bloating
  • constant pain or pressure in abdomen or pelvis
  • trouble eating or feeling full after a small meal
  • feeling the need to urinate often or urgently
  • changes to your menstrual period, such as heavier or irregular periods
  • constipation
  • back pain
  • fatigue
  • pain when having sex
  • swelling of the abdomen
  • difficulty breathing
  • weight loss

Expert review and references

  • Tien Le, MD, FRCSC, DABOG
  • American Cancer Society. Ovarian Cancer. 2018. https://www.cancer.org/.
  • Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK. leave blank; 2021. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/.
  • Tewari K, Penson R, Monk B. Ovarian Cancer. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg S. eds. DeVita Hellman and Rosenberg's Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2023: Kindle version, [chapter 52].

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