What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer recurrence?

Written by Zhou Zi Hua
Oncology
Updated on July 02, 2025
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Symptoms of recurrent ovarian cancer include: First, vaginal bleeding, which is a manifestation of the tumor invading the uterus, cervix, or vagina. Second, abdominal bloating and pain, which indicate tumor spread to the abdominal cavity. Physical examination can reveal abdominal masses, ascites, and even intestinal obstruction. Third, there are symptoms such as stomach discomfort and indigestion related to the digestive tract. There might also be metastasis to the cervical lymph nodes, which can be palpated in the neck. Fourth, some late-stage patients may experience discomfort and heaviness in the lower abdomen, and even symptoms related to the urinary system such as frequent urination, urgent urination, and painful urination.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Can ovarian cancer be detected by transvaginal ultrasound?

Ovarian cancer can generally be detected through a transvaginal ultrasound. During this procedure, we can find cystic or cystic-solid, or a solid mass in the ovaries. If a blood test for tumor markers shows a significant increase in CA125, especially in combination with a large amount of ascites, we must strongly suspect ovarian cancer. In such cases, patients should undergo a tumor biopsy. By taking a biopsy and confirming it pathologically, we can definitively diagnose ovarian cancer. Therefore, most ovarian cancer patients can indeed be detected through a transvaginal ultrasound.

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Written by Zhou Zi Hua
Oncology
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What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer recurrence?

Symptoms of recurrent ovarian cancer include: First, vaginal bleeding, which is a manifestation of the tumor invading the uterus, cervix, or vagina. Second, abdominal bloating and pain, which indicate tumor spread to the abdominal cavity. Physical examination can reveal abdominal masses, ascites, and even intestinal obstruction. Third, there are symptoms such as stomach discomfort and indigestion related to the digestive tract. There might also be metastasis to the cervical lymph nodes, which can be palpated in the neck. Fourth, some late-stage patients may experience discomfort and heaviness in the lower abdomen, and even symptoms related to the urinary system such as frequent urination, urgent urination, and painful urination.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Patients with ovarian cancer may have relatively hidden clinical symptoms in the early stages, possibly without any specific discomfort, or just mild lower abdominal bloating or pain. Symptoms tend to become more apparent only when the tumor progressively enlarges or when ascites occur, such as increased abdominal bloating and pain. Furthermore, during a physical examination, a solid or cystic-solid mass can be palpated in the pelvic area. Ascites can also lead to clinical symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. In the late stages, partial intestinal obstruction or symptoms related to pelvic compression may appear.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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What should be noted about having intercourse after ovarian cancer surgery?

Patients with ovarian cancer can have sexual intercourse after radical surgery or palliative surgery, but there are several precautions to consider: Firstly, it is not advisable to have sexual intercourse too soon after surgery, as early intercourse may lead to poor healing of the surgical site, or cause infections, which are detrimental to the patient's recovery. It is generally recommended to schedule sexual intercourse one or two months after ovarian cancer surgery, and some patients are advised to wait three months. After three months, most patients' physical conditions improve and the incisions heal. In such cases, the likelihood of infection from intercourse is low. Moreover, the frequency of sexual intercourse should not be too frequent or excessive, as it may impact the patient's physical strength or lead to concurrent infections. Furthermore, patients should practice contraception during intercourse after surgery, as pregnancy is not advisable for patients who have undergone radical or palliative surgery for ovarian cancer, since pregnancy can exacerbate the development of the disease.

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Written by Wu Xia
Oncology
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What to eat for difficulty in defecation due to ovarian cancer?

If the difficulty in defecation is due to ovarian cancer involving the rectum or other parts, we can apply anti-tumor treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy to control the condition and facilitate defecation. If the issue is caused by painkillers or the patient's inherent constipation, diet is crucial. The diet must include an adequate amount of fiber, more vegetables, and fruits. Avoid overly refined staple foods and include more whole grains. Drinking a glass of saltwater or honey water on an empty stomach in the morning, combined with appropriate waist and abdominal massage, can enhance the effect of facilitating bowel movements. If these measures are still ineffective, laxatives such as sodium docupate or lactulose may be used, along with some traditional Chinese medicines.