6. Leg swelling
What are the early symptoms of ovarian cancer? This is a question that many women over 55 might ask themselves. And for good reasons. All of the symptoms that we have listed until now are some of the most common early signs of ovarian cancer. Some of them might be more expected than others, but we are sure that the following one is part of the latter category.
Fluid retention in your lower legs, feet, or ankles might be one of the early indicators of ovarian cancer. Your legs may feel especially heavy due to fluid buildup. As the swelling worsens, your skin may appear stretched or glossy.
It is true that leg swelling might be caused by other different conditions, but ovarian cancer is one of the few types of cancer that is known to cause edema. The statistics say that 20% of the women who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer also developed edema.
Keep in mind that any of these signs can be the result of any other condition that is not ovarian cancer. This is the reason we recommend you always visit the doctor for a proper physical exam. Your doctor is the only one who can diagnose you.
If you went for an imaging test and it indicated that you might have ovarian cancer, be prepared because your healthcare practitioner will most likely refer you to a gynecological oncologist. This is a specialist who treats cancers of the female reproductive system.
