Ovarian cancer symptoms are often vague. Women and their doctors often blame the symptoms on other, more common conditions. By the time the cancer is diagnosed, the tumor has often spread beyond the ovaries.

Early-stage ovarian cancer can cause symptoms, although these symptoms also occur with many other conditions. You should see your doctor if you have the following symptoms on a daily basis for more than a few weeks:

• Bloating
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Pelvic or abdominal pain

Other symptoms are also seen with ovarian cancer. However, these symptoms are also common in women who do not have cancer:

• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Digestive symptoms:
  • Constipation
  • Increased gas
  • Indigestion
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
• Sense of pelvic heaviness
• Swollen abdomen or belly
• Unexplained back pain that worsens over time
• Vaginal bleeding
• Vague lower abdominal discomfort
• Weight gain or loss

Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:

• Excessive hair growth
• Increased urinary frequency or urgency

A physical examination may reveal a swollen abdomen and fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites). A pelvic examination may reveal an ovarian or abdominal mass.

Lab tests that may be done include:

• Alpha fetoprotein
• Blood chemistry
• CA-125 (may be done if ovarian cancer is strongly suspected or has been diagnosed, and to follow the cancer during or after treatment)
• CBC
• Quantitative serum HCG (blood pregnancy test)
• Urinalysis

Imaging tests that may be done include:

• Abdominal CT scan or MRI of abdomen
• GI series
• Ultrasound

Pelvic laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy may be done to evaluate symptoms and get a biopsy to help make the diagnosis.

No lab or imaging test has ever been shown to be able to diagnose ovarian cancer in its early stages (screening).