Ovarian cancer is a cancer of the ovaries, which are the female reproductive organs. There are two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. They produce ova/eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The cancerous cells in the ovary multiply rapidly and grow abnormally, thus forming a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Here are some early signs of ovarian cancer and procedures for its diagnosis.

Early signs of ovarian cancer
Women are likely to develop the symptoms of ovarian cancer when it starts spreading beyond the organs. Mostly, ovarian cancer is not diagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage. According to the American Cancer Society, only about 20% of the cases are diagnosed at an early stage, because the symptoms are not evident as yet. Here are some of the early signs to look for.

• Abdominal bloating
• Pain in the pelvic and abdominal area
• A rapid feeling of fullness after eating
• Difficulty in eating
• Feeling fatigued (extreme tiredness)
• Menstrual irregularities
• Heavy blood flow or irregular bleeding during periods
• Upset stomach
• Constipation
• Heartburning sensation
• Difficulty digesting food
• Pain in the back
• Painful intercourse
• An increased urge to urinate

Diagnosis of ovarian cancer
The symptoms of ovarian cancer in the early stages are not very evident and acute; hence, it is difficult to diagnose it. Finding an appropriate treatment for this type of cancer starts with an accurate diagnosis. Gynecologists use a variety of tools that are designed for diagnosing the early and advanced signs of ovarian cancer and determining the line of treatment that should be followed. Procedures and test used for diagnosis of this disease include:

• Pelvic exam : The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the vagina of the female and presses a hand on the abdomen to feel the movements of the pelvic organs.
• Imaging tests : This includes tests like ultrasounds, CT scans of the abdomen, and pelvis to determine the shape, size, and the structure of the ovaries.
• Blood tests: The blood tests include organ function tests to mark the position of the tumor that indicate ovarian cancer and determine overall health.
• Surgery: If the cancer is detected and appears to be resectable, surgery is performed to make a definitive diagnosis and remove the tumor. If it is not resectable, then a biopsy is performed to diagnose and determine the course of treatment.

These are some early signs of ovarian cancer and diagnosis procedures for the same. The symptoms of this type of cancer can be common and also nonspecific; hence, they are not seen as indicative of a serious problem by women or the health care providers until they start to worsen, and the cancer is widespread and difficult to cure. A delayed diagnosis of ovarian cancer is a major factor contributing to the high mortality rate in women.