Which GI symptom can be associated with ovarian cancer?

• A. GI Disturbances
• B. Chronic Coughing
• C. Sneezing
• D. Earache

Answer: (A)

GI disturbances are a potential presenting symptom of ovarian cancer because the tumor in the abdomen or pelvis can cause peritoneal irritation and ascites, which distends the abdomen and disrupts GI motility. This leads to symptoms like bloating, early satiety, and changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea. These nonspecific GI changes are often among the early clues that bring ovarian cancer into consideration, especially in patients with persistent abdominal symptoms. Chronic coughing, sneezing, and earache are not GI-related symptoms and do not typically point to ovarian cancer; coughing can arise from lung involvement or other conditions, while the others are unrelated to the GI tract.