Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

This is the second article in the Understanding Ovarian Cancer Guide. This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on May 20, 2026

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum, causing cells in these tissues to grow and multiply too fast. This forms a tumor or abnormal growth.

These changes often cause the first signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. “Signs” are things that can be measured by tests, like an abdominal mass found during an exam. “Symptoms” are things you feel in your body, like bloating or pelvic pain.

Ovarian cancer is sometimes called a “silent” cancer because early symptoms are often subtle and easy to mistake for everyday digestive or menstrual complaints. However, research shows that most people with ovarian cancer do experience symptoms, even at earlier stages, but they are just often non-specific.

Remember: Many of these symptoms are caused by conditions other than cancer, such as irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, or ovarian cysts. What sets ovarian cancer symptoms apart is that they tend to last for more than a few weeks, they occur most days, and are new or different from your usual experience. If you notice any of these patterns, talk to your doctor.

What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?

The four most common symptoms

These symptoms are sometimes called the “classic four” and are the most consistently reported by people with ovarian cancer:

• Bloating or increased abdominal size
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Feeling the need to urinate often or urgently

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer

• Fatigue that does not improve with rest
• Indigestion, heartburn, or upset stomach
• Constipation or other changes in bowel habits
• Back pain
• Pain during sex
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause
• Menstrual changes

Symptoms of germ cell or stromal tumors

Less common types of ovarian cancer may cause additional symptoms:

• Germ cell tumors may cause a rapidly growing pelvic mass and pain, often in younger patients
• Stromal tumors may produce hormones, leading to abnormal vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, or, less commonly, signs of excess testosterone such as deepening voice or facial hair growth

Symptoms that may indicate spread

• Shortness of breath, which may be caused by fluid around the lungs
• Swelling of the legs
• Persistent fatigue or unexplained weight loss
• A noticeable mass in the abdomen

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, or notice any changes to your health that concern you, the most important thing you can do is talk to your doctor.

Many of these changes have causes other than cancer, but getting checked is always the right step. Finding ovarian cancer earlier gives you the best chance of successful treatment.