I'm 31 - could i have ovarian cancer?

Question

i saw a doctor today to look into mild but steady (just about everyday) low back pain for the last 6 weeks. it came on with my period before last, and I thought it was just back pain associated with my period. it is not severe, but it has caused me to limit my activity at times, and sometimes i have to sit down, and it can be hard to carry my 20 lb baby. at my appt. today I mentioned that I also have some mild abdominal bloating, and the doc said right away that i should have a pelvic ultrasound to rule out ovarian cancer. I'm very healthy, i have 3 children all of whom i breastfed. my last child was born almost 1 1/2 years ago, and I'm still breastfeeding. early in my pregnancy with my youngest, during a routine u/s they discovered a 7 cm L ovarian cyst, that could not be seen 4 wks later on repeat u/s (either it disappeared, or the baby was blocking it). so - could it be the cyst, or could that cyst be cancer? anyone with similar situation? i feel good otherwise. thanks.

Answer 1

It could just be the cyst, which seems to act up with menstration. However, to rule out anything more serious follow your doctors advice and have the ultrasound, if nothing else, to easeyour mind. Good luck.

Answer 2

Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries, the eggreleasing and hormone-producing organs of the female reproductive tract. Cancerous, or malignant, cells divide and multiply in an abnormal fashion. Causes and Symptoms Causes The actual cause of ovarian cancer remains unknown, but several factors are known to increase one's chances of developing the disease. These are called risk factors. Women at a higher risk than average of developing ovarian cancer include women who: - have never been pregnant or had children - are Caucasian, especially of Northern European or Askenazi Jewish descent - are over 50. Half of all diagnosed cases are in women over 65. - have a family history of breast, ovarian, endometrial (uterine), prostate or colon cancer - have had breast cancer - have a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) who has had ovarian cancer. (The risk is greater if two or more first-degree relatives had the disease. Having a grandmother, aunt or cousin with ovarian cancer also puts a woman at higher-than-average risk.) - have the genetic mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2. (Not all women with these genetic breast cancer mutations will develop ovarian cancer. By age 70, a woman who has the BRCA1 mutation carries about a 40–60% risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women with the genetic mutation BRCA2 have a 15% increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. However, heredity only plays a role in about 5–10% of cases of ovarian cancer.) Women who have a strong familial history may benefit from genetic counseling to better understand their risk factors. In addition to the above risk factors, the following factors appear to play a role in affecting a women's chances of developing ovarian cancer. Please do not neglect. Consult an oncologist and ensure you do not hae any problem. If anything is found you should have treatments immediately as CANCER IS STILL AN ENIGMA-

Answer 3

it is very rare in someone your age - and has next to no symptoms.
my mother died from it last year age 58, she had no symptoms at all and the cancer was found when she went in to have her gall bladder removed.
she had no cysts, just large masses on her ovaries.
having 3 children gives good prevention from the disease, which is more common in childless and low child families as the disease can occur from scarring of the ovaries due to a release of eggs every month, also breastfeeding helps and being on the pill.

this is also why it is more common in women who have a late menopause as they have released more eggs, and less common in young women
we were told this by the oncologist who saw my mother, she had a late menopause at 52.
cystic ovaries will cause low back pain and usually they are not seen in isolation, you probably also have other cysts.
if the pain came with your period it could be a mild endometriosis

Answer 4

I would not worry too much- it is most likely another cyst, given your history. Doctors always have to think the worst-case scenerio, you know? But 99% of cysts are benign. With my last pregnancy a cyst was also found- I think some women are just more prone to cysts! (I will be 30 in a few weeks)

Answer 5

It is possible, even at your age. And ovarian cancer is symptomless until the late stages, so you are wise to check into it. There is a test that will tell you if your levels show cancer is likely--I received an email a while back that gave the name of the test, but I don't have it. What the email said is that the test for ovarian cancer in women is the female version of the men's prostate cancer test, if that helps.

Answer 6

Best wait and see wnhat the results show; worst case scenario is cancer but since you catch it so early, you really should be fine. I had Stage III uterine cancer and almost didn't make it; I had a total hysterectomy and six weeks of radiation. Passed my five years about five years ago.
I had ALL the classic signs of cancer; got my period just before my tenth birthday, never had kids, early menopause and being exposed to toxic chemicals, highly carcinogenic. One of which was banned a few years after I stopped using it.
So try not to worry too much, and wait and see what the results show.

Answer 7

It's not likely to be ovarian cancer, but anything is possible. Follow the doc's advice and have this checked out. It could be something as simple as back strain from carrying around that 20 pound baby.

Good luck.

Answer 8

Cancer doesn't choose an age so it might. However you may also have a very large cyst, I knew a girl that had a 15 lbs. cyst removed from her.
Good luck I wish you all the best

Answer 9

According to the medical information worldwide females can get ovarian cancer at even younger ages, the reasons are caused by in proper diets of too greasy, too salty, too much sugar in it, lack of fabric diets, and least daily excercise.
I know that my buddy's wife also had similiar cancer a few years ago. After medical treatment and surgery, she is going back to the work force again.

Answer 10

sorry but you can. I have a cousin who had cervical cancer at 17. The cycts most likely just grew. If at anytime you are worried about cancer it's best to get checked.