Ovarian Cancer Lump: What You Can (and Can't) Feel and Why It Matters

An ovarian cancer lump is often what people worry about when they first hear about this disease. But the reality of ovarian cancer is more complex, and detecting it early requires understanding more than just feeling for a lump. 

Here’s what you need to know about ovarian cancer and how it presents physically.

Can You Feel a Lump with Ovarian Cancer?

Sometimes, but not always — and this is precisely what makes early detection of ovarian cancer so challenging.  

When ovarian cancer develops, it can form masses or tumors in or on the ovaries. However, these aren’t typically detectable in the same way as breast lumps. The ovaries are positioned deep in your pelvis, protected by layers of tissue and organs, making any ovarian cancer lump difficult to feel during a self-exam.

What’s concerning is this: By the time an ovarian cancer lump becomes large enough to feel from the outside (either by you or your doctor during a pelvic exam), the cancer has often already spread beyond the ovaries.

What Does an Ovarian Cancer Lump Feel Like?

If an ovarian cancer lump does become large enough to be felt, it might present as:

• A firm, irregular mass in your lower abdomen or pelvic area (don’t expect it to feel like a distinct ball)
• A feeling of fullness or pressure rather than a distinct “lump”
• Sometimes painful when pressed, but not always
• Possibly accompanied by a feeling of bloating that doesn’t go away

It’s important to note that you can sometimes feel a tumor or cyst on palpation. While it may be difficult to determine if the borders are regular (like a circle) or irregular (like a blob), you might be able to distinguish if it feels soft or hard — softer masses are often benign.

Important to Remember:

• Not all pelvic masses are cancerous. Many are benign cysts that resolve on their own.
• However, any new mass should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
• If you experience a sudden onset of severe pain, nausea, and vomiting along with a pelvic mass, seek medical help immediately, as this could indicate ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary), which can occur with both benign and cancerous masses and requires emergency treatment.

Don’t wait until you can feel an ovarian cancer lump to take action. By then, it might be at a more advanced stage.

Ovarian cancer often progresses quickly. That’s why paying attention to subtle signs that might appear before any lump is detectable is critical for early intervention.

The Warning Signs That Come Before Any Lump

Instead of focusing solely on finding an ovarian cancer lump, pay attention to these earlier warning signs that often show up before a mass becomes large enough to feel:

Many doctors use the acronym BEACH as a helpful memory device for recognizing potential ovarian cancer symptoms:

• Bloating: This isn’t the kind of bloating that comes and goes with your period or after a big meal. This is bloating that stays day after day and doesn’t improve.
• Early satiety: You might suddenly find yourself feeling full quickly and unable to finish normal-sized meals. When an ovarian cancer lump grows, it can press against your stomach and digestive organs.
• Abdominal or pelvic pain: You might experience a dull, constant ache or pressure in your lower belly or pelvic region that doesn’t have an apparent cause.
• Changes to bowel or bladder habits: This includes constipation or diarrhea that persists beyond a few days or finding yourself visiting the bathroom to urinate more frequently than usual.
• Heightened fatigue: Unexplained tiredness that isn’t relieved by rest could indicate that your body is fighting disease.

These symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, which is what makes ovarian cancer difficult to identify early. If you notice these signs persisting for over two weeks, consult your doctor.

How Doctors Find Ovarian Cancer Lumps When You Can’t Feel Them

Since ovarian cancer lumps often can’t be detected through physical examination alone, doctors rely on several tools:

• Transvaginal Ultrasound: This imaging technique uses sound waves to create pictures of your reproductive organs. It can often detect masses on the ovaries that are too small to feel from the outside. (Learn more about ovarian cancer ultrasound.)

• CT Scans and MRIs: These more detailed imaging tests can show ovarian cancer lumps and determine if the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries.

• CA-125 Blood Test: While not definitive on its own (it can be elevated for reasons other than ovarian cancer), this test measures a protein that’s often higher in women with ovarian cancer. The CA125 ovarian cancer screening test is most valuable when used alongside other diagnostic tools.

Remember: No single test is conclusive. Your doctor will likely use a combination of these approaches if ovarian cancer is suspected.

What If You Think You Feel an Ovarian Cancer Lump?

If you believe you’ve felt something unusual in your abdomen or pelvis, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it, either. Here’s what to do:

• Make an appointment with your gynecologist right away. Be direct: “I’ve noticed what feels like a lump in my pelvic area, and I’m concerned about ovarian cancer.”
• Track your symptoms. Keep a diary of when you notice the lump, any pain associated with it, and other symptoms you’re experiencing.
• Be your own advocate: If your doctor dismisses your concerns, seek a second opinion. You know your body best.
• Ask about genetic testing: If you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, consider asking about testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which increase your risk.

Taking Action Before You Feel a Lump

An ovarian cancer lump is just one piece of a complex disease that requires a comprehensive approach to detection and treatment. Current screening methods struggle to catch ovarian cancer early enough, which is why waiting until you can feel a lump often means precious time has been lost.

If you’re concerned about ovarian cancer, take these important steps:

• Know your family history. If anyone in your family has had ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, share this information with your doctor. Genetic predisposition matters and may indicate the need for more vigilant monitoring.
• Listen to your body. Those subtle symptoms — persistent bloating, unexplained pain, feeling full quickly — deserve attention. Don’t dismiss them as “just getting older” or “probably nothing.”
• Get regular check-ups. While pelvic exams aren’t perfect for detecting ovarian cancer lumps, they remain an important part of your healthcare routine and provide opportunities to discuss any concerning symptoms.
• Act quickly on warning signs. If you experience persistent symptoms, consult your doctor promptly. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes.

The key takeaway? Don’t wait until you can feel an ovarian cancer lump to take this disease seriously. Learn the early warning signs, trust your instincts, and take swift action. When it comes to ovarian cancer, every day truly matters.