Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries. Earlier it was called a silent killer, until they advanced and were detected. Generally the symptoms of ovarian cancer are not found soon and they are non-specific, i.e. they might be caused by other things. It is detected normally when it has spread beyond the ovary. The ovarian cancer symptoms are normally gastrointestinal or psychological in nature, rather than gynecological. Ovarian cancer is categorized into three major types: They include: Epithelial tumors, Germ cell tumors, Sex-cord stromal tumors.

The early ovarian cancer symptoms are:

1. Unusual pain in the abdomen or belly which is continuous, back or legs, this is the first ovarian cancer symptom followed by depression and discomfort.
2. A bloated or swollen abdomen with the growth of the tumor. Inspite of this growth in the abdomen, there could be weight loss. Swelling could be in the legs too.
3. Nausea, indigestion, cramps and chronic gas problems.
4. Trouble in eating and feeling full very quickly even after eating or drinking too little.
5. Urinary symptoms are also seen like, feeling an urgency to urinate often or difficulty in passing urine.
6. Digestive disorders.
7. Changes in patterns of bowel or bladder.

Further ovarian cancer symptoms include:

1. Persistent gas, indigestion or nausea, changes in the bowel movements and pressure.
2. Diarrhea, constipation or urination which is occurs frequently.
3. Either weight is lost or gained suddenly without any reason. Particularly the weight is gained in the abdominal region.
4. Clothes start fitting tighter especially around the waist. The waistline increases without any changes in the diet or exercise.
5. Continuous pain in the lower back or pelvis that becomes worse after a period of time as the pain keeps growing.
6. Menstrual cycles do not occur normally or they are irregular in occurrence and this ovarian cancer symptom is rare. It might include heavy bleeding which continues even after the completion of the menstrual cycle which is not considered as normal. Bleeding may occur even during menstrual cycles.

As the cancer grows and spreads to the other parts of the body more ovarian cancer symptoms include:

1. Trouble during sexual intercourse.
2. Lack of energy and feeling of tiredness all the time. Feeling of dizziness or faintness and increased heart beat.
3. Discharge or vaginal bleeding, enlargement of the breasts, masculine hair growth, which is normally a rare ovarian cancer symptom.
4. Difficulty in breathing that is shortness of breath, voice deepens.
5. Gastrointestinal symptoms which are persistent like fever or feeling fatigue with pain and vomiting, chills, sweating in the night.
6. Size of the belly increases and also a lump could be felt, normally on the ovaries, but they are not necessary to be cancerous. This is caused due to a fluid which is collected thereby causing the abdomen to swell. This fluid is called ascites.
7. Decrease in the level of energy. Constantly feeling low in energy.
8. Problems could also arise with kidneys or bladder.