symptoms of low-grade serous ovarian cancer
Symptoms of low-grade serous ovarian cancer can include:
- Bloating
- Eating less and feeling fuller
- Abdominal, pelvic and back pain
- Peeing more often/urgently
- Changes to bowel habits
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Painful sex
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Unexplained weight change
It’s important to inform your doctor if you have one or more symptoms that persist for more than two weeks, especially if they are new, unusual for you, or worsening.
In most cases, these symptoms are unlikely to be caused by ovarian cancer, but it’s a good idea to get checked to be certain.
The symptoms and tests for low-grade serous ovarian cancer are the same as those for ovarian cancer more broadly.
Testing for low-grade serous ovarian cancer
The tests for low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) are a CA-125 blood test and an ultrasound.
A CA-125 is a blood test that checks for a protein that can sometimes be raised in LGSOC and ovarian cancer. An ultrasound is a scan that looks for abnormalities in the ovaries and surrounding organs. Sometimes an MRI or CT will be used instead of an ultrasound.
If both tests are normal, ovarian cancer is unlikely. When one or both tests are positive further investigations are needed.
Further investigations
If your doctor decides ovarian cancer is possible they may recommend surgery. The type of surgery could be minimally invasive, or open.
During surgery samples from inside the tummy are taken to check for cancer. If surgery is not possible, a needle biopsy may be recommended instead. The procedure should be performed by a specialist gynaecological cancer surgeon, called a gynaecological oncologist. People with ovarian cancer have better outcomes when a gynaecological oncologist performs their surgery.
The sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist, who specialises in diagnosing disease. There are several possible results; it could be LGSOC or another type of ovarian cancer, a borderline tumour (pre-cancerous), or benign (non-cancerous).
Who is at risk?
Any woman or person assigned female at birth has some risk of getting ovarian cancer; this risk is about 2%. In other words, for every 100 people, two will get ovarian cancer. And for every 100 people with ovarian cancer, two to six will have low-grade serous ovarian cancer.
While ovarian cancer is more common in older people, it can affect people of any age, including children. Rare ovarian cancers like LGSOC are more common in younger people.
There is no “too young” for ovarian cancer. Anyone with persistent symptoms should see their doctor.
You are your best health advocate
The tough reality is that people with LGSOC often have to fight to be diagnosed. At first, the symptoms may not seem that bad, but symptoms can also be dismissed as “it’s nothing serious” or “you’re too young for cancer”, without proper tests.
Some common misdiagnoses include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gallstones
- Urinary tract infections
- Oral contraceptive pill side effects
- Menopause
You know your body best. You’re not a hypochondriac for wanting answers. If you feel your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, keep looking until you find a doctor who listens.
I was told it was bad periods, a possible urinary tract infection, and then anxiety. I began to believe my GP and doubt myself. I can vividly remember saying to my partner (now husband) ‘Am I making this up?! Am I going crazy?
Emily talking about her LGSOC diagnosis
More information
This article has been medically reviewed by an expert in low-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Last update: 8 August 2024