Ovarian cancer symptoms and tests

mschaben said:

Genes

Also forgot to mention that I had brca 1&2 test done and was neg but so was my aunts and she has both.  I just recently have been tested for 25 more genes but haven't got that back yet 

Syptoms

I would also be concerned with those symptoms and your history.  Don't settle for a clear ultrasound if your pain continues.  Mine was perfectly normal.  Seven weeks later, I had another one that showed tumors throughout my pelvis. If your tests come back negative, you may want to request a pregnancy test.  It will come back positive if cancer is involved.  Also, you should be aware that Tamoxifen increases your risk of uterine cancer.  I hope your pain is nothing serious.

Bellafelice said:

Ovarian cancer?

Can anyone here tell me if the following may be indicative of ovarian cancer? (I hope I posted in the correct spot to ask this): Three weeks of heavy bleeding where a pad had to be changed hourly; bloating; trouble doing situps; a soft mass found by dr. in ovary area ? Dr. just seen this week-had blood work and a sonogram going to be done soon. I know no one can say anything for sure until testing is done, but I was just wondering if these are signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer that anyone has experienced here. (Other info-50 years old in good health overall)

Bella~U need 2 B seen by gynecologic oncologist 4 best testing

Dear “Bella”

Just wondering since you’ve been reading here since 2008.  Do you have other health problems?

Three weeks of heavy bleeding???  All I can do is give you some good web link references that you can use as a guide.  As for my own experience, I went to the doctor with a small soft-movable nodule on the left side of my abdomen slightly below my waist. I thought I had a hernia.  When I first discovered the nodule, it felt like it was no larger than a quarter.  Except  one weekend I felt a bit nauseous and had some groin pain—my only symptom.

To make a long story short, I went to the ER because I had promised a friend that I would go to the ER if I had that pain again.  I already had a scheduled appointment with a surgeon to check out what I thought was a hernia.  I had been to my GP and he thought perhaps it was a hernia as well, so he just scheduled an appointment for me.

A CT at the ER revealed “Peritoneal Carcinomatosis”, a Stage IV cancer.  Within 3 weeks I arrived at the University of Pittsburgh Medical center UPMC for a SECOND OPINION.  There a PET scan and exploratory surgery revealed cancer was in my ovaries as well.    UPMC said tumors were too large and too many to perform Cytoreductive Surgery.  Pre-op chemo of Carboplatin and Taxol was recommended.

I came home and had a 6-treatment chemo session of Carboplatin and Taxol, which reduced the tumors enough to undergo Cytoreductive surgery.  Then CRS was performed on July 1, 2003 @ UPMC.  That surgery was not meant to be curative, but was to remove all non-essential organs to which the cancer could easily spread.  So my gallbladder, spleen, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and omentum were removed and my intestines were resectioned. I won’t go into further detail here about the adjuvant (after surgery) chemo & radiation treatments, and the continual rising of my CA125 numbers.  That’s the “endurance” test we Stage IVs go through just to stay alive.  I always say, I have a God-given soul peace but there’s a war going on between my physical body and cancer.    

So if I were you, I would be making plans to be seen by a gynecologic oncologist ASAP.  I would skip the GP visit, unless your insurance demands that you consult with them first.  Let’s just be honest, with symptoms like this, there’s no good excuse for ruling out the possibility of Ovarian Cancer.  So often, it seems to be “silent” and when it’s discovered it often comes in like a roaring lion.  That’s how it was with me.   With the symptoms you describe, if I were you, I wouldn’t be “tinkering around the edges”.  Better to be safe than sorry. 

1.  https://www.sgo.org/patients-caregivers-survivors/what-is-a-gynecologic-oncologist/

“A gynecologic oncologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers that are located on a woman’s reproductive organs. Gynecologic oncologists have completed obstetrics and gynecology residency and then pursued subspecialty training through a gynecologic oncology fellowship. Residency takes four years to complete, while fellowship involves three to four additional years of intensive training about surgical, chemotherapeutic, radiation, and research techniques that are important to providing the best care for gynecologic cancers. Physicians who complete this training are eligible to take both the obstetrics and gynecology board exam and the gynecologic oncology board exam.

The gynecologic oncologist serves as the captain of a woman’s gynecologic cancer care team. It is important to consult with a gynecologic oncologist before treatment is started so that the best treatment regimen is chosen for you.

Seek a Specialist

SGO’s Seek a Specialist includes actively practicing specialists in all professions related to gynecologic cancer.”

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2.  https://www.oncolink.org/cancers/gynecologic/ovarian-cancer/ovarian-cancer-the-basics

“Ovarian Cancer: The Basics

Ovarian cancer is caused by cells in the ovary growing out of control. As the number of cells grow, they form into a tumor. Ovarian cancer that has spread from the ovary to another part of the body is called metastatic cancer.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing ovarian cancer include: advanced age, family history, genetic mutations, first period at an early age, or an increased number of menstrual cycles and ovulations, which are caused by issues such as late menopause, having not been pregnant, having children after age 30, lack of use of birth control pills, or have never breastfed.

Screening

There are no routine screening tests. There are a few tests are being studied, particularly in women at high risk of developing ovarian cancer. 

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often ignored by the patient or the healthcare provider because they can be vague. These include:

• Bloating

• Pelvic or abdominal pain

• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

• Urinary symptoms such as urgency or frequency

  While these symptoms are more often due to other medical problems, women with ovarian cancer report that the symptoms persist and represent a change from their normal.

  Women who experience these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see a healthcare provider (preferably a gynecologist) for evaluation.

  Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

  When your healthcare provider suspects ovarian cancer, they will order further tests which may include: a pelvic exam, blood tests, transvaginal ultrasound and ultimately surgery. Surgery is the only way to diagnosis and stage ovarian cancer…”

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  3.  http://news.cancerconnect.com/types-of-cancer/ovarian-cancer/ovarian-cancer-overview/

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  4.  http://www.cancercenter.com/ovarian-cancer/symptoms/?source

  “…Ovarian cancer symptoms

  Symptoms of ovarian cancer may be confused with less serious, noncancerous conditions. If you experience persistent symptoms for more than a few weeks or notice a change in your ovarian health, consult a doctor for follow-up.

  Common symptoms may include:

• Abdominal bloating, indigestion or nausea

• Changes in appetite, such as a loss of appetite or feeling full sooner

• Pressure in the pelvis or lower back

• A more frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation

• Changes in bowel movements

• Increased abdominal girth

• Tiredness or low energy

• Changes in menstruation

  Ovarian cysts, masses or tumors

  A pelvic mass may represent either benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) conditions.

  Symptoms of ovarian cysts, masses or tumors may include:

• Pelvic pain

• Pain shortly before or after the start of your period

• Pressure, swelling or pain in the abdomen

• A dull ache in the lower back and thighs

• Difficulty emptying your bladder

• Pain during sex

• Abnormal bleeding

• Nausea or vomiting

  See your doctor for an evaluation if you suspect you have a pelvic mass. During a physical exam, your doctor may be able to feel the mass. He or she may then order an ultrasound to determine the size, shape, location and composition of the lump before recommending what you should do next, which may include surveillance or surgery. Learn more about ovarian cancer symptoms by reading, “Pelvic pain and ovarian cysts: Do they mean cancer?”

  Learn about ovarian cancer risk factors…”

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