Symptoms of Different Stages of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer can be segmented into 4 stages, stage I to stage IV. The staging of the disease is done based on the extent of the spreading of cancer. In stage I of ovarian cancer, the cancer stays confined within both or any one of the ovaries. In the stage II, cancer invades other organs located in the pelvic region of the patient’s body for instance fallopian tubes, uterus, sigmoid colon or the bladder of a woman. In stage III the patients experience spreading of the cancer either to their abdominal lining or to their lymph nodes. Stage IV of ovarian cancer is marked by spreading of cancer either to the distant organs like lungs and liver or tissues located outside the patient’s abdominal cavity.

Symptoms of stage I ovarian cancer: This stage is also referred to as the early stage of ovarian cancer. Patients in this stage of the disease often experience symptoms like bloating and a feeling of fullness in their abdomen. These signs might be accompanied by abdominal pain or pain in the pelvic region. However, a patient in stage I of ovarian cancer might also not experience any symptom at all.

Symptoms of stage II and stage III ovarian cancer: In these two stages the cancer infiltrates the pelvis of the patient. The symptoms of stage II and III of ovarian cancer include irregular menstruation, frequent urination, swelling of abdomen and constipation (caused by compression of colon). Pain in the lower portion of the abdomen and lower back pain are the other indicators of these two stages of ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of stage IV ovarian cancer: This is the most advanced stage of the disease. In this stage, the cancer spreads all through the patient’s body, as a result of which she might experience symptoms affecting her entire body. Some examples of symptoms of stage IV of ovarian cancer are: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, unintentional weight loss, breathing problems, constipation, severe abdominal aches etc.