Many women with early stages of ovarian carcinoma have no symptoms. The unfortunate result is that two-thirds of all women are first diagnosed when the cancer is in an advanced stage.
The most common symptoms include pain, pelvic pressure, low back discomfort, mild nausea, feeling full early when eating, constipation and gas. These symptoms are not specific for ovarian cancer. Although some cases are diagnosed during a routine gynecologic examination, many women are diagnosed only when they have developed abdominal distension because of ascites when the cancer is advanced.
Advanced ovarian cancer may result in blockage of the intestines, causing severe nausea, vomiting and pain.
