Go Back To Menu
Close
Ovarian Cancer
MENU

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Explanation of Disease and Population Distribution

Ovarian cancer originates from the ovarian tissue and is one of the most lethal malignancies of the female reproductive system. Its pathogenesis is complex and usually related to genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Globally, ovarian cancer has a higher incidence in Western countries, especially in North America and Western Europe. With advances in screening and treatment, early diagnosis rates have improved.

In Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, the incidence of ovarian cancer is increasing annually. Due to the lack of effective early screening and health awareness in some countries, many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. Ovarian cancer not only severely threatens women’s health but also imposes a heavy burden on families and society.

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

Stage I: Localized tumor, good prognosis
The tumor is confined to one or both ovaries without spreading. Symptoms are mild at this stage, treatment is effective, and the 5-year survival rate is 85%–90%.

Stage II: Pelvic spread, worsening symptoms
Cancer cells spread to other pelvic tissues or organs, with patients experiencing significant abdominal pain and bloating. The 5-year survival rate is around 70%–75%.

Stage III: Peritoneal and lymph node metastasis
The tumor involves the peritoneal surface and lymph nodes, symptoms are pronounced, and treatment becomes more difficult. The 5-year survival rate drops to 40%–50%.

Stage IV: Distant metastasis, severe condition
Cancer cells metastasize to distant organs such as the liver and lungs, with patients in critical condition. The 5-year survival rate is less than 20%. Multidisciplinary treatment including immune reconstruction cell therapy is required.

Detailed Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

1. Persistent Abdominal Bloating
Abdominal bloating is the most common early symptom of ovarian cancer. Tumor growth causes ascites, leading to a persistent feeling of fullness in the abdomen, often worsening at night.

2. Pelvic and Lower Abdominal Pain
Patients often experience dull or cramping pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal region, which worsens with activity and can severely affect daily life.

3. Urinary Abnormalities
The tumor compresses the bladder, causing frequent urination, urgency, and sometimes painful urination. Some patients experience difficulty urinating, reducing quality of life.

4. Changes in Bowel Habits
Tumor pressure on the rectum leads to constipation, alternating diarrhea, or difficulty passing stool. In severe cases, rectal bleeding may occur, indicating disease progression.

5. Indigestion and Loss of Appetite
Patients often experience nausea, acid reflux, early satiety, and loss of appetite, with noticeable weight loss due to impaired digestive function.

6. Menstrual Abnormalities
Some patients develop irregular menstruation, abnormal bleeding, or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, suggesting the tumor may affect endocrine function.

7. Fatigue and Weight Loss
As the disease progresses, patients often feel weak and fatigued, with unexplained weight loss, reflecting systemic metabolic disorders and immune dysfunction.

8. Abdominal Mass
In advanced cases, a mass may be palpable in the abdomen, varying in size and hardness, often accompanied by ascites, indicating significant tumor spread.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center remind that the early symptoms of ovarian cancer are nonspecific, so women should remain vigilant, undergo regular gynecological examinations, and receive relevant imaging screenings. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving survival rates. Modern immune reconstruction cell therapy provides new treatment options for advanced patients, significantly improving survival quality and prognosis. Active participation in comprehensive treatment plans is essential for effective disease control and life extension.