Health Tip of the Week, sponsored by Baton Rouge General: Five conditions that mimic ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is called a “silent killer” because it’s often diagnosed at later stages, but not for lack of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are bloating, pelvic or belly pain, loss of appetite or feeling full, and frequent urination. The problem is that these symptoms mimic symptoms of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and urinary tract infections. If you develop new and persistent symptoms (for more than two weeks) similar to those of these conditions, see your healthcare provider or gynecologist. Learn more about ovarian cancer.