What are the early symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on March 30, 2025
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Patients with ovarian cancer often do not exhibit many symptoms in the early stages, and many do not have obvious symptoms initially. Some patients may experience pelvic pain due to tumor growth early on, primarily located in the bilateral pelvic area, with some experiencing pain that radiates to the perineal area. Some early-stage ovarian cancer patients may experience abnormalities in their menstrual cycle, primarily manifested as irregular menstruation, increased menstrual flow, and the presence of blood clots. Some patients may also experience abnormal vaginal bleeding outside of their menstrual period. In addition, some patients in the early stages may exhibit signs of abnormal hormone secretion. Aside from these, most early-stage ovarian cancer patients do not show obvious symptoms.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Ovarian Cancer Screening Methods

The methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer include imaging studies, such as ultrasonography of the adnexa of the uterus, abdominal CT, or MRI, which can detect ovarian tumors. The next step is to perform a blood test for the tumor marker CA125, which is a relatively specific and sensitive marker for epithelial ovarian cancer; in clinical practice, CA125 levels are generally significantly elevated in patients with ovarian cancer. Additionally, many patients with ovarian cancer, especially those in advanced stages, often develop significant ascites. We can perform abdominal paracentesis to drain the fluid and test the ascites for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found in the ascites and imaging studies reveal an ovarian mass, ovarian cancer can be diagnosed. Furthermore, chest CT and other tests are included to comprehensively assess the staging of the patient.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Can ovarian cancer be treated?

Ovarian cancer is certainly treatable. Its treatment methods include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. For patients with early-stage ovarian cancer, the treatment is mainly radical surgery, followed by determining the need for additional adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy based on specific pathological staging, the presence of high-risk factors for recurrence such as vascular tumor thrombus and neural invasion, and the situation of lymph node metastasis. For patients with advanced ovarian cancer, the treatment may involve debulking surgery and chemotherapy, with chemotherapy being the main treatment. Chemotherapy also needs to take into account the patient's general condition, along with local pelvic radiotherapy. These are the treatment methods for ovarian cancer, and the specific treatment plan should be selected based on staging and the patient's general condition, as well as the presence of other serious underlying diseases.

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Can ovarian cancer metastasize to the lungs?

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor, so it can spread to distant organs through the bloodstream, such as the lungs, liver, bones, and even brain metastases, among others. Therefore, in late-stage patients with ovarian cancer, it can metastasize to the lungs. It can also spread through the whole body's lymphatic system, reaching lymph nodes throughout the body. The most common form of spread in ovarian cancer is implantation metastasis. It can implant in the peritoneum or pelvic cavity, leading to widespread pelvic dissemination and invasion of surrounding pelvic tissues. It can also implant in the peritoneum, resulting in significant ascites and extensive peritoneal metastasis.

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Oncology
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Ovarian cancer requires the following examinations:

The examination for ovarian cancer begins with an abdominal ultrasound, which can clarify the tumor's size, shape, cystic or solid nature, location, and its relationship with neighboring organs. If necessary, CT scans and MRI can be conducted for a clearer view. Next are tumor markers, which are essential in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Additionally, CT scans of the lungs and head, or MRI, and a complete blood count of bone can help rule out distant metastasis. The most critical part is the pathological diagnosis, as the definitive diagnosis of tumors primarily relies on pathology. We can obtain a clear pathological diagnosis through laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy.

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What to eat after ovarian cancer surgery

After ovarian cancer surgery, a person’s immune system is relatively weak and they are quite frail. At this time, recuperation is necessary, and careful nursing is essential. The diet should primarily consist of easily digestible, high-energy foods. Patients can eat more fish after ovarian cancer surgery, as fish is high in protein and also easy to digest and absorb. Additionally, it is suitable to eat some fruits like bananas. Moreover, it is important to drink plenty of water. After surgery, ensure at least 2000 milliliters of water intake per day to help expel toxins and prevent constipation.