Chronic Indigestion--Cancer Symptom?

[KathyK]

I have been experiencing fairly severe nighttime indigestion and gas several times a week for the past few weeks. It either wakes me from sleep or prevents me from sleeping well and lasts several hours. Usually by the time I get up in the morning it's gone. The best way to describe this pain is someone squeezing something like a belt around my midsection. Sometimes it's accompanited by a lot of gasiness as well. I'd normally be inclined to attribute this pain to a gastroenerological problems; however, I've run across a lot of sites warning that indigestion can be an early warning symptom of ovarian cancer. I'm a 36-year-old female, no children, never used birth control, began ovulating at 11.5 years of age. I know these factors put me at increased risk for OC. However, I have no history of any kind of cancer in my immediate family except for my brother, who was diagnosed with early stage testicular cancer (seminoma) 5 years ago. My question: How likely is this indigestion a gynecological problem?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi Kathy,
There is no way to answer your question with out the following additional information:
-a physical examination including a pelvic examination, rectal and stool check for blood
-probably an imaging study such as an ultrasound to look at your gallbladder and pancreas.
-Your doctor may decide based on your examination and history that a trial on antacids is reasonable. Plus avoidance of alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes.
-other tests that could be considered include a blood test for H Pylori which is the bacteria associated with gastric ulcers and an endoscopy.
If the pelvic exam is abnormal, a pelvic ultrasound is reasonable.

Your symptoms are very common and are usually related to reflux, gastritis, and intestinal ulcers. You are right that women who have ovarian cancer can have months of bloating and intestinal distress prior to their diagnosis. But they are a small percentage of all those with these symptoms. So it is important for your to see your doctor for evaluation.
best wishes