Evaluation of predictive symptoms of ovarian tumours in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

objective : To identify and evaluate the Predictive symptoms of ovarian tumours so that diagnosis can be made at early stage. methods : This study was conducted on 100 patients admitted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Zenana Hospital who were diagnosed with ovarian tumour clinically, ultrasonographically and histopathologically. A detailed history was taken and patients surveyed about their age, menopausal status and type of ovarian tumour by histopathological report. results : In our study abdominal bloating was present in 74% of cases, abdominal pain present in 45% of cases; abdominal lump/swelling present in 66% of cases; bleeding per vaginum present in 8% of cases; fatigue present in 58% of cases; altered bowl habits present in 14% cases; urinary complaints present in 15% cases and others (backache) present in 8% of cases. Duration of symptoms before seeking medical attention 40% had symptoms for 3-6 months; 28% 1-3 months; 16% 1 month; 15% 6-12 months and 1 case > 1 year. On final diagnosis with histopathological report 69 were malignant ovarian tumours, 29 were benign ovarian tumours and 2 were borderline tumours. Frequency of symptoms per month was more in malignant group. conclusion : Ovarian cancer is not a silent killer. As no screening test exists for ovarian cancer so the frequency and number of such symptoms are key factors in diagnosis of ovarian cancer even at early stage to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with ovarian tumours.