Ovarian Cancer & Cervical Dysplasia: Symptoms, Risks & Precautions

An abnormal growth of cells on the cervix is called cervical dysplasia. The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health warn that, while cervical dysplasia is not cancer, it is a precancerous condition. Ovarian cancer is exactly what it sounds like: cancer that begins in a woman's ovaries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ovarian cancer is the cause of more deaths than any other cancer that affects women's reproductive organs. Cervical dysplasia typically has no symptoms, but there are signs of ovarian cancer that women should know.

Abnormal Menstural Cycles or Bleeding

• The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health cite abnormal menstrual cycles as one of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Women with ovarian cancer may experience bleeding between periods, after intercourse or after menopause according to the Mayo Clinic. Discharge that is bloody, smells bad and is watery is also one of the signs of ovarian cancer.

  Cervical dysplasia is typically symptomless, but abnormal bleeding--including after intercourse--may be one indication of the condition. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that abnormal bleeding is an indicator of many different conditions, not just cervical dysplasia.

Abdominal or Pelvic Pain

• Women with cervical cancer may experience abdominal or pelvic pain. Abdominal or pelvic pain as symptoms of cervical cancer occur between your hip bones and beneath your stomach, according to the CDC. This includes pain during intercourse, feeling bloated, abnormally full or having heartburn or stomach ache. The The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health mention additional, nonspecific signs of ovarian cancer to look for: gas, vague discomfort, indigestion, nausea and loss of appetite.

Fatigue

• Along with the other symptoms, experiencing fatigue for more than two weeks is an indication that you should see a doctor since it's one of the signs of ovarian cancer. The CDC warns that women with ovarian cancer may feel tired all the time.