Okay, about a month ago the doctor had me get an ultrasound to see if I had PCOS. I don't get to see him until 10/30 and I'm really freaked out. What if I have Cervical Cancer or Ovarian Cancer? I'm 16, does anyone know if this is possible?
2006-10-08 04:30:39 · 7 answers · asked by amandaanne08 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Like others have said, that would be pretty unlikely at your age. Besides, those problems don't generally cause symptoms that mimic PCOS. Women with PCOS generally have symptoms that are caused by too many male hormones (irregular periods, fertility problems, thinning scalp hair, hair growth on the face and body, bad acne) and by problems with insulin use (gaining weight easily and not being able to lose it, dark patches of skin especially on the back of the neck, skin tags, high cholesterol and triglycerides). Women who have ovarian or cervical cancer don't usually have any symptoms until the cancer is pretty advanced. Ovarian cancer can cause abdominal pain, unexplained vaginal bleeding, and digestive problems--but many other less serious conditions can cause the same symptoms. Cervical cancer can cause pelvic pain and unexplained vaginal bleeding--but again, those symptoms can also be cause by other, less serious conditions.
If you are not sexually active, your chances of having cervical cancer are even smaller. Cervical cancer is very often caused by HPV, which is a sexually transmitted infection. HPV is very common--almost every sexually active person will get it at some point--and the great majority of people who have it will never get cancer. But when a woman does get cervical cancer, HPV is often a cause. The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to have regular pap tests starting when you become sexually active, when you have concerns about your reproductive health, or when you turn 18--whichever comes first. Pap tests check for cells in the cervix that look abnormal so your doctor can catch them early and treat them before they become cancerous. You can also get a vaccine that will protect you from HPV infection.
Ovarian cancer can happen to any woman, but it is more likely to occur in older women who have a family history of ovarian cancer. It is a relatively common cancer, but is most common in women over 55, so getting it at 16 would be unusual. 75% of the women who die from ovarian cancer are over 35; 50% of them are over 55. It is not a disease that often affects young people.
PCOS, on the other hand, is both a relatively common condition (about 10% of women have it) and one that often starts producing symptoms in young women. I first realized something was wrong when I was about 12, because I had had my period for about three years and it had never been regular. I gradually developed other PCOS symptoms and was finally diagnosed at age 19. Women with PCOS usually start getting symptoms as teenagers but may not get a diagnosis until much later, when they have trouble getting pregnant and go to a doctor for fertility treatments. It's very good that you are getting diagnosed so early.
2006-10-10 04:10:46 · answer #1 · answered by purplerose 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
calm down-cervical cancer and ovarian cancer have nothing to do with pcos and for a 16 yr old to have either would be exceedingly rare. come on, he isnt even looking for that anyway. in the US, we no longer use the ultrasound to make the diagnosis of pcos but perhaps you are in the UK. either way, if you only have periods every 3-4 months or longer you may have pcos. your doctor will probably place you on birth control pills to manage your pcos. while you are on the internet, why not search polycystic ovarian syndrome and educate yourself a bit. it really is not the best idea to seek advice from strangers on the net who may or may not know what the heck they are talking about
2006-10-08 04:47:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anything is possible but don't worry yet. Just see doctors and find it out. For these kinds of cancers, doctor can take your tests and diagnose your symtoms.
Good lucks
2006-10-08 05:20:49 · answer #3 · answered by tellmetruth 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be possible at your age, but I wouldn't worry just yet. Get the test first, then go from there.
2006-10-08 04:33:53 · answer #4 · answered by alittlecookoo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible, but its also possible that it could just be a cyst. I started getting those as a teenager. As painful as they can be, they usually dont last too long. All you can do is be as healthy as you can n wait.
2006-10-08 04:36:11 · answer #5 · answered by Rayknee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a 16 year old, this is very rare.
2006-10-08 05:35:43 · answer #6 · answered by zoe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its possibe but stressing out over it aint going to help
2006-10-08 04:46:03 · answer #7 · answered by red_star_56 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋