Follow Up Questions About Last Post (forgot to include medical history)

[Kimberly83]

I realized I forgot to give some more of my medical history/problems to help with advice...family history, grandmother on my mothers side had breast cancer in her mid-60's, a great aunt (grandmother's sister) had Ovarian Cancer, in her late 50's/early 60's, and my mom had severe endometriosis before having a hyserectomy in her mid-30's. I heard endometriosis in families increases risk of Ovarian cancer-anyone know if this is true? Also if a first degree relative has endometriosis I heard it is likely that I can too-but I have a condition called Turner's Syndrome, which causes loss of Ovarian function, which I've heard makes it less likely that I'd have endometriosis and more likely I could have Ovarian cancer, realizing I forgot to add the information, I was wondering if the doctor could shed any light on this. Also, with the cough I've had on and off I believe I've had (and could still have) swollen glands, mainly under my chin area, and this concerns me too....I see my GYN in two weeks, hopefully then I'll get some more in depth answers as well..

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi Kim,
You have a very strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer. endometriosis can be associated with ovarian cancer.

Endometriosis is common especially at your age. It can be associated with bowel troubles as well. You should ask your doctor about taking a look surgically with a laparoscopy. If endometriosis is present, at your age, usually medical therapy is done. with your family history, there may come a time in the future to consider the surgical removal of your ovaries to reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer. It is very rare for women in their 20s to get ovarian cancer.

I know that you are worried and it is hard to wait for your doctors appointment.
please let us know how it goes

[Kimberly83]

Thanks, I will be sure to do that. It's just I had a persistent cough and sinus problems for awhile, some night sweats, and fluctuating between high and low blood pressure and a high pulse rate, and I am concerned this is all connected, as in addition to my other symptoms I have Ovarian cancer patients have all the same things going on..I know it may or may not be connected. I have seen my general health care provider for these things on and off, but she never mentioned Ovarian cancer as a possibility, guessing because of my age...