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Gynecologic Cancers
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Signs and Symptoms

Photo of a middle-aged woman with abdominal pain

The following can be symptoms1 2 3 of ovarian cancer when persistent or recurrent (more than two weeks). These symptoms are not specific to ovarian cancer, often mimic other conditions, and are mostly urogynecologic and gastrointestinal in nature.

  • Abdominal or pelvic pain.
  • Early satiety.
  • Bloating.
  • Changes in urination (increased frequency).

References

1CDC. Ovarian cancer.

2DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA, DePinho RA, and Weinberg RA. Devita, Hellman, and Rosenberg’s Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology (8th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2008.

3Schottenfeld D, Fraumeni J Jr. Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention (3rd ed.). Eastbourne, UK; WB Saunders Co., 1982.

Knowledge Check

Answer the question on your own and check your answer.

If your patient complains of persistent bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, and increased frequency of urination, which gynecologic cancer might you suspect? Check Answer

Answer: Ovarian cancer.

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