Imagine you experience continuous pain without understanding its source. At first glance, you might think the pain originates from simple ailments such as indigestion or period cramps. But did you know that in some cases, this persistent stomach pain sometimes indicates a serious medical issue, such as ovarian cancer, which ranks among the deadliest cancers.
Ovarian cancer originates from abnormal growths in the ovaries and affects a higher number of women because its early-stage symptoms are vague and resemble common health issues. That is why most ovarian cancer cases are usually detected in more advanced stages.
Despite its difficulty in early detection, ovarian cancer presents certain symptoms that aid in early diagnosis. One of the early indications of ovarian cancer is persistent abdominal pain. Patients with ovarian cancer experience pain that persists and intensifies with time and affects the lower abdomen or the pelvic area. Hence, it is important to understand the reason behind this symptom, which will help in early detection.
How is Stomach Pain Related to Ovarian Cancer?
Persistent abdominal pain serves as an early signal of ovarian cancer. The primary reason for this is that ovarian cancer cells begin their abnormal development within the ovaries, which form part of the female reproductive system.
The growth of tumor cells in the ovaries leads to pain because these reproductive organs are in the lower abdomen.
Here are some other reasons why your stomach pain could be considered an early indication of ovarian cancer.
- Firstly, when cancer cells keep increasing, it starts to put pressure on the other parts of the body, so when cancer cells in ovaries grow, it puts strain on nearby organs like the bladder, intestines, and stomach. This pressure eventually leads to pain and discomfort that is similar to period cramps.
- Secondly, when ovarian cancer develops to an advanced stage, it causes ascites. Ascites, which results in stomach bloating, happens due to fluid accumulation within the stomach. It also causes swelling or sudden tightness around the stomach area, which could also be accompanied by pain that might be dull or constant.
- Another factor behind this pain could be the irritation of tissues that is caused by cancer cells, which spread to other parts of the stomach and cause the nearby tissues to become irritated, ultimately leading to pain.
All of these issues may trigger stomach pain; thus, persistent abdominal pain should prompt a medical consultation for potential ovarian cancer screening.
Other Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer becomes a silent killer because its subtle symptoms make it challenging for patients to determine if they have the disease. The symptoms of the disease are so mild that they lead to challenges in detection because they are frequently confused with less severe conditions.
As a result, most women remain unaware of ovarian cancer until it reaches an advanced stage. Therefore, it is important to know additional symptoms beyond persistent stomach pain to identify this deadly disease at an early stage.
1: Bloating: Many women may feel bloated or full even after eating a few bites. This could be an early warning of ovarian cancer.
2: Increase in Urination: The next common symptom of ovarian cancer is an increase in urination. Some patients frequently experience a need to urinate despite having an empty bladder. The tumor’s constant pressure against the bladder creates these symptoms.
3: Lower back or pelvic pain: Patients may experience constant or intermittent pain around the lower back area or pelvis.
4: Bowel movement changes: Ovarian cancer patients also undergo changes in bowel movements. This could include constipation or diarrhea.
5: Fatigue or unexpected weight loss/gain: Ovarian cancer presents its early signs through patients experiencing sudden weight changes combined with fatigue. Even after a whole night’s sleep, patients remain exhausted. Moreover, patients with ovarian cancer experience increasing difficulty performing tasks that were initially simple to manage.
6: Menstrual changes: Another sign of ovarian cancer is noticeable changes in the menstrual cycle. Women experiencing ovarian cancer often detect changes in menstrual patterns, which may involve increased pain and heavier bleeding.
>>> Also Read: Self-Care Tips for Ovarian Cancer Patients
Final Words
Persistent stomach pain from common conditions like indigestion or stress demands attention whenever other symptoms like bloating or fatigue show up, or when menstrual cycles change. Occasionally, persistent stomach pain may indicate the onset of ovarian cancer. Early discovery of symptoms is crucial for successful treatment, making specialist consultation necessary if symptoms continue.
Dr. Aditi Bhatt offers expert medical care and advanced treatment solutions for persistent abdominal discomfort when you need to address your health concerns as a leading ovarian cancer doctor in Ahmedabad. She has vast experience, combined with a compassionate treatment style, which positions her as one of the top choices for precise and caring ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
