Why is ovarian cancer often found late?

Ovarian epithelial, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer may not cause early signs or symptoms. When signs or symptoms do appear, the cancer is often advanced.

Signs and symptoms may include pain, swelling, or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen or pelvis, a sudden or frequent urge to urinate, trouble eating or feeling full, a lump in the pelvic area, and stomach problems such as gas, bloating, or constipation.

These signs and symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If they get worse or do not go away on their own, check with your doctor so any problem can be found and treated as early as possible.