Ovarian cancer question?

Question

Is there anybody out there who has ovarian cancer or knows someone who's had it? I am really worried that I may have it and am waiting for an ultrasound. I've done lots of reading about it, but it's mostly textbook type stuff. I'm not looking for a list of symptoms really, but am wondering if anybody can tell me their own story about how they were diagnosed etc. I have been having a lot of severe pelvic pain along with bleeding and I know that I have what might be cysts in my ovaries, but I'm scared that they might be cancerous. Please somebody, if you can share with me I would be most grateful, thank you!!

Answer 1

I am a male but I have seen few cases of Ovarian cancers. I have also seen few patient surviving if treated in the early stages and by removal of the reproductive system completely. Mere Ultrasound test is not enough to find various factors of the disease you may have. Please consult your Oncologist and he will have to do some other tests and biopsy explained below to evaluate the position and give proper treatment.

Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries, the egg releasing and hormone-producing organs of the female reproductive tract. Cancerous, or malignant, cells divide and multiply in an abnormal fashion.

If ovarian cancer is suspected, several of the following tests and examinations will be necessary to make a diagnosis.

* a complete medical history to assess all the risk factors
* a thorough bi-manual pelvic examination
* CA-125 assay
* one or more various imaging procedures
* a lower GI series, or barium enema
* diagnostic laparoscopy

Bi-Manual Pelvic Examination

The exam should include feeling the following organs for any abnormalities in shape or size: the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, bladder, and rectum. Because the ovaries are located deep within the pelvic area, it is unlikely that a manual exam will pick up an abnormality while the cancer is still localized. However, a full examination provides the practitioner with a more complete picture. An enlarged ovary does not confirm cancer, as the ovary may be large because of a cyst or endometriosis. While women should have an annual Pap test, this test screens for cervical cancer. Cancerous ovarian cells, however, might be detected on the slide. Effectiveness of using Pap smears for ovarian cancer detection is about 10-30%.

Ca-125 Assay

This is a blood test to determine the level of CA-125, a biomarker or tumor marker. A tumor marker is a measurable protein-based substance given off by the tumor. A series of CA-125 tests may be done to see if the amount of the marker in the blood is staying stable, increasing or decreasing. A rising CA-125 level usually indicates cancer, while a stable or declining value is more characteristic of a cyst. The CA-125 level should never be used alone to diagnose ovarian cancer. It is elevated in about 80% of women with ovarian cancer, but in 20% of cases is not. In addition, it could be elevated because of a non-ovarian cancer, or it can be elevated with non-malignant gynecologic conditions, such as endometriosis or ectopic pregnancy. During menstruation the CA-125 level may be elevated, so the test is best done when the woman is not having her menstrual period.

Imaging

There are several different imaging techniques used in ovarian cancer evaluation. A fluid-filled structure such as a cyst creates a different image than does a solid structure, such as a tumor. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that create a visual pattern of echoes of the structures at which they are aimed. It is painless, and is the same technique used to check the developing fetus in the womb. Ultrasound may be done externally through the abdomen and lower pelvic area, or with a transvaginal probe.

Other painless imaging techniques are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Color Doppler analysis provides additional contrast and accuracy in distinguishing masses. It remains unclear whether Doppler is effective in reducing the high number of false-positives with transvaginal ultrasonography. These imaging techniques allow better visualization of the internal organs and can detect abnormalities without having to perform surgery.

Lower Gi Series

A lower GI series, or barium enema, uses a series of x rays to highlight the colon and rectum. To provide contrast, the patient drinks a chalky liquid containing barium. This test might be done to see if the cancer had spread to these areas.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy

This technique uses a thin hollow lighted instrument inserted through a small incision in the skin near the belly button to visualize the organs inside of the abdominal cavity. If the ovary is believed to be malignant, the entire ovary is removed (oophorectomy) and its tissue sent for evaluation to the pathologist, even though only a small piece of the tissue is needed for evaluation. If cancer is present, great care must be taken not to cause the rupture of the malignant tumor, as this would cause spreading of the cancer to adjacent organs. If the cancer is completely contained in the ovary, its removal functions also as the treatment. If the cancer has spread or is suspected to have spread, then a saline solution may be instilled into the cavity and then drawn out again. This technique is called peritoneal lavage. The aspirated fluid will be evaluated for the presence of cancer cells. If peritoneal fluid is present, called ascites, a sample of this will also be drawn and examined for malignant cells. If cancer cells are present in the peritoneum, then treatment will be directed at the abdominal cavity as well.-

Answer 2

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer a week after my 13th birthday. I had severe abdominal pain, and flu like symptoms for about 2 months before the doctors figured out what was wrong with me. Every time my parents would take me to the dr's office (which was almost daily), they would say that it was just a virus. Finally, they took me to a different dr, who figured it out within a day. They did surgery immediately and removed 1 of my ovaries and the tumor (which was bigger than a softball at that point). Eleven months later, the cancer was back and was starting to spread...so they did a complete hystorectomy and I started on 6 months of chemo. I have been cancer free for 15 years now!

I really hope your test turns out well! God Bless!!

Answer 3

Well, "Copy and Paste" had given you a thorough description of everything you need to know. I'm a survivor of ovarian cancer - i had it 7 years ago. I'd had only very mild symptoms for about a year ...some urinary tract infections, bowel problems, heartburn...nothing serious though. My abdomen was swelling, but I thought it was just that I was gaining weight. I was finally diagnosed after about 9 months of this, and subsequently had a pelvic clearance operation, where they remove all organs not needed for continuing life from the abdomen, including all but 9 of my lymph nodes. I'm one of the lucky ones - the doc got all of the cancer and I'm here to tell the tale.
My main advice would be, don't let yourself be put off by any doctor. Get all of the previously mentioned tests done. If one doctor doesn't take you seriously, find one who will. Its your life ! Best wishes on your journey.

Answer 4

Dear winekissedlips, my aunt had ovarian cancer, but at the time i was very young, the only thing i remember was that she didn't worry too much about it, she used to say "worry about it won't do any good".

Hope it helps, My best regards

Answer 5

Ovarian cancer is deadly. The reason is because as the tumor webs in your pelvis, it obstructs your colon and you die from not being able to absorb nutrients.

Answer 6

I havent known anyone who's had it.