Information

Hello. I am looking for information on ovarian cysts in combination with IBD or Crohn's.
Short run down
Mom- 1998 diagnosed with mulitcell carcinoma of the abdomen and ovaries.. determined to be OVCA. She had a strong history of untreated IBD. 4 weeks from diagnosis to passing so there are many unanswered questions.
Sister- 2007 fistulizing crohn's with new discovery of ovarian cyst back pain. Abnormal paps for over 2 years.

Has anyone had IBD or Crohn's prior to their diagnosis of OVCA? Has anyone seen any studies or information on the two being connected? I think since we got little in the way of answers from mom, we are both waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Thanks
B

[PPhelps]

If by IBD you mean IBS-D (Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Diarrhea), then yes, most women when they go to their doctor the first DX is IBS. Alot of women are told they have IBS to find out months later is was OVCA. The symptoms are the same, women are being misdiagnosed with IBS.  As far as Crohn's Disease I haven't read anything on it being a diagnosis before OVCA.

[katditty]

I have had Irritable Bowel Syndrome most of my life, and since 1999 it has been so severe that I have even qualified for Social Security Disability.  I was DXed with stage IIIc Ovarian Cancer in January 2006.  My GynOnc told me I might have been DXed much sooner, and therefore had a better possible outcome, if the IBS symptoms had not been so severe and masked OVCA symptoms.  It's my understanding that _any_ type of chronic gastrointestinal ailment can and does mask OVCA symptoms, including IBS, Inflamatory Bowel Disease and Chrone's.  So many women are DXed with OVCA in later stages because they have earlier been DXed with IBS, IBD, or Chrone's.  Maybe there is more info on the relationship between GI diseases and OVCA on this website, or the American Cancer Society's website, I think it's just www.cancer.org.  My GynOnc is Dr. Barbara Goff of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and I know they have a good website.  Dr. Goff has written several articles on this subject.
I wish you and your sister all the best and hope that other shoe never does drop for you!
God Bless you both.

[ekclaybrook]

Thanks so much. Yes IBD is the diagnosis for severe IBD including Crohn's and Colitis. We both have severe Crohn's and have had the problems for years. We will be applying for disability for her as soon as possible. Thanks again for the feedback.

Beth