Ovarian cancer tends to spread around the inside of the abdomen. It may start to grow on the outside of the uterus and fallopian tubes, and on the covering of the bowel.

It may also spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen, and to the liver and lungs.

It can cause fluid to build up in the abdomen. This is called ascites. Later, it may cause fluid to build up around the lung (pleural effusion).