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Abdomen Distention (IBS? or test for Ovarian cancer?)

Hello there! I am new here and was wondering if anyone has experienced huge abdomen distention and discomfort? I have looked like I was 5-6 months pregant for about a year now. I had a laproscopy 8 years ago and was dx with endometriosis and treated. Then 1-2 years agao I was dx with IBS. I have recently been told that a lot of the symptoms I have can also be consistent with ovarian cancer (as well as with endo and IBS), such as abdomen distention, painful intercourse, diarehea and constipation. Can any one relate or have any suggestions? Should I ask for a CA 125 blood test? Thank you!!
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Avatar universal
my regular doctor who also does my anual exams diagnosed the cyst immediately when she saw the pain I was in with the abdominal distention.  the same day she sent me to the hospital for a cat scan of the pelvic and abdomen, and then referred me to a specialized group of doctors/obgyn.  the 2nd dr. basically said nothing was wrong with me and asked if I was having problems at home... he said cysts come and go... I immediately called another gyno and she performed the ultrasound yesterday... she found the 2 cysts on each ovary and is concerned with the abdominal distention... everyone who knows of my situation are saying the drs. do not know what they are doing and why am I having surgery and I am very frustrated and depressed.  this is the first time I have ever missed my menstrual cycle...  I do believe I am premenopausal... approaching 50 yrs. old.  I have no symtons of IBS except the constipation...  I need to return to work/I am buying new suits every 2 weeks due to a 10 lb weight gain per week... and it is hard for me to commute... I am thinking of just admitting myself to emergency...
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Avatar universal
Well, there is a long list of us and we all are saying "Go to your gyno." I live with cancer as opposed to dying with cancer. I have a slow growing ovarian. It is controlled with Tamoxifen, but it never completely goes away. My abdomen fills up with fluid about every two years. A doctor drains off about 3 1/2 liters and I can wear my clothes and feel so much better. So run, don't walk to your nearest doc. Texas Grannie
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Avatar universal
correction; my symptoms do not include diarrhea, fever or vomiting.  I do have tenderness near my ovaries and navel area, constant dull pain, like I am overly full as well.

thank you, marblehead
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Avatar universal
I have had abdominal distention since May, I have gained 30 lbs., it felt as though I had a foot under my rib cage on the right side but it would move to the left, much like being 9 mos. pregnant or from what others have said a hernia, much pressure in the center of my chest, swelling in my legs and feet, more so on my left side in the beginning, shortness of breath, pains up and down my left arm and then it shifted to my right arm, afraid to go to sleep at night sometimes, nausea in the morning, the pressure in my upper abdomen worse when constipated, and always constipated unless I use a laxative.  I went to the dr. and was sent for a Cat Scan of the pelvic and abdomen.  The symptons were said to be symptons of ovarian cancer.  I have a cyst on my ovary 4X4.  I went for ultrasound and it showed clear cysts, no mass, 2 cysts on each ovary, this is the the first time I have missed my mentrual cycle.  I have done so much research and found it could be many things and that a full hysterectomy has given many woman their life back, although 2 doctors have disagreed... and 1 doctor agreed.  I am advised now to see a dr. for my bowels...  my symtons do include fever, vomiting, loose stool as others experience... could it be menopause?  or a fluid problem from these cysts bursting?  
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Avatar universal
Yes, by the time the cyst was removed, my stomach was very distended and bloated.  Looked like I was about 8 mos pg and my stomach was very hard directly under the belly button.  That's what sent me to have the ct scan.  My gastro was quite alarmed.  I've never had endometrosis although I did have severe adhesions on my tubes when I was younger and had surgery to correct that and 4 years later an ectopic pregnancy.  That was 22-26 years ago, so who knows if all that had an effect on the cyst currently.

Hope some of this helps you.  If you can just get your doctor to try EVERYTHING possible and if he/she refuses, get a 2nd opinion.  I just kept pushing until I finally got satisfactory answers.
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Avatar universal
Thank you pokemomma. I have had ultrasounds done and colinoscopy although another girl on a different thread said she had a cyst they didn't detect in ultrasound so it still cudl be that. I wonder how else they can tell if it is a cyst? Were you extremely bloated with distention? I also haven't had a period in 7 months now?? Thanks!
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Avatar universal
I too was diagnosed with IBS for about 1 1/2 yrs prior to having my cyst removed 2/8/06.  The cyst was finally found on a ct scan and then a CA125 done (101) after that.  My gastro even did a colonoscopy 2 months prior to finding the cyst and didn't feel it then - it ended up being 16.5cm.  I suggest you ask for an ultrasound and/or ct scan.
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117289 tn?1391712825
Welcome to the site!!  Sorry I did not post sooner, I had a sports meeting for the kids.  Anyway I want you to know that 99% of ovarian cysts are benign.  Also, if you are premenopausal the ca125 is not a reliable test, as anything going on can change it.  Also, ovarian disturbances can cause GI problems.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha
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Avatar universal
Thank you all for your speedy responses!! I have had cysts in the past and was treated for endometrosis so hopefully this is nothing serious (although it would be nice to know why I am so distended and would appreciate removing fluid if that was all they would have to do) but you are all right that I should at least get it checked out and rule everything out. I am so sorry to hear about your mother Linniepooh - and everyone else who has been dx or affected by cancer - I hope you all have the love and support you deserve!!
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Avatar universal
I had the same exact symptoms- looked pregnant, diarrhea (sometimes alternating w/ constipation), pain, and also urinary frequency, etc and it was endometriosis.  In reading other threads on here, many other people have also had similar symptoms w/ benign ovarian cysts.  Just wanted to jump in to let you know that these don't necessarily mean cancer.  Unfortunately, the symptoms seem similar for both malignant and non-malignant cysts, so it seems prudent to treat it as the worst case scenario as far as testing/imaging/watching/removal just to play it safe.  I know I freaked out when I was reading symptoms of ovarian cancer b/c it seemed that I had them all.  I found the most comfort on this forum when I read that so many other people had similar symptoms and their cysts were benign.  Good luck!
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Avatar universal
My ovarian cancer presented as abdominal distention, gas and indigestion.  Probably a good idea to ask for a CA 125 and maybe a pelvic ultrasound.
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Avatar universal
YES, I have heard of that. My mother was diagnosed with stage III-Stage IV ovarian cancer. Her stomach filled with fluid and she has pictures looking like she is 9 months pregnant. They started chemo a week later and she had an operation two months after that. They removed 2 liters of fluid and an 8 lb tumor...and this was months later. She finished the treatments and went into remission for almost a year. The cancer is now back and apparently inoperable, she's terminal. She went into the hospital last week in severe pain from the bloating (fluid) and vomiting. They released her last night and I had to call the paramedics tonight to take her back because the pain was so bad. We'll see what happens now.
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121033 tn?1202886794
My tummy was distended for a long time before I was dx with ovarian cyst. I just put it down to the fact I had given birth to 3 children and I was getting older!! I had been going to the gym 3 x week for the 9 months prior to dx and still my tummy wasn't budging - ALL THOSE DAMNED ABDO CRUNCHIES AND MY GUT DIDN'T MOVE!!! I actually had no other symptoms, and ended up with a 12.6cm complex cyst - who knows how long it had been in there (it had been 12 years since last u/s when pregnant with last child). The doc could actually feel it as she palped my tum b/c it was so bloody enormous!! (oops, hope that doesn't offend -I see an Aussie ad has been censored in UK for using that word!!)Anyway, for your peace of mind, I would suggest that you ask your dr what he/she thinks.  BTW, though all indications and initial tests on frozen section indicated ca, all turned out benign!! Tascha is soooooo right!!
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Avatar universal
By all means you should be checked out.  Any symptoms like you are describing warrants further examination.  It is probalby nothing but you will be sure glad to be told that.   Let us know.
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Avatar universal
Peace and prayers for your mother.
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110491 tn?1274481937
Get it checked out and start with the CA125, and ultrasound and a CT scan. I had the same symptoms for 3 years. Was all clear in Nov 2003 and then diagnosed with OvCA in Nov 2005 - same symptoms.
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