1. Ovarian Cancer Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Ovarian Cancer Quiz
3. 15 Cancer Symptoms Women Ignore Slideshow

Medical Author:

Robert P Edwards, MD

Coauthor:

Jana M Lee, MD

Coauthor:

Paul Blackburn, DO, FACOEP, FACEP

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Lee P Shulman, MD

If experiencing abdominal pain, distension, or bloating that is not explained by simple constipation, lactose intolerance, or another harmless condition, the woman should see her health care provider right away. In fact, if she is older than 40 years or has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, these symptoms should be attributed to constipation or other conditions only after her health care provider has ruled out the possibility of ovarian cancer.

A woman should go to the nearest hospital emergency department if she is exhibiting any of the following symptoms:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain with fever
• Continuous vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood)
• Difficulty breathing
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Must Read Articles Related to Ovarian Cancer

Cancer Symptoms Most symptoms and signs of cancer may also be explained by harmless conditions, so it's important to limit one's risk factors and undergo appropriate cancer scr...learn more >>

Cancer: What You Need to Know The news comes like a sledgehammer into the stomach: "I'm sorry to tell you, but you have cancer." Every year, a million Americans are devastated by news of can...learn more >>

Ovarian Cysts There are several different types of ovarian cysts (noncancerous growths). Follicular, corpus luteum, hemorrhagic, dermoid, endometrioid (endometriomas), polycy...learn more >>

See the Entire Ovarian Cancer Topic Guide »