Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

[gatorfrog]

I am concerned that I have symptoms of ovarian cancer and I would like to know if I should pursue this further with my gyn.  The symptoms that I have are: continuous bloating, pressure in pelvic abdominal area, urge to urinate, vaginal discharge, change in bowel habits, fatigue, bleeding irregularities.  I had a vaginal/pelvic ultrasound because of the bleeding and it showed an enlarged endometrial stripe, and 3 cysts on my ovaries, one of which was large (they appeared to be simple ones). I then had an endometrial biopsy, which came back negative.  My doctor put me on progesterone for 10 days and then I had a horrible period, heavy, heavy bleeding, cramping (I couldn't go to work).  I am scheduled for another ultrasound and I would like to know what I need to look for and what questions I should ask.  I am very concerned that I have so many symptoms and my doctor does not seem concerned.  Any help would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[ahoskrn]

Hi, I am an RN who works on a GYN/Oncology unit at the hospital and 50 percent of my patients are Ovarian Ca. Ask your gyn to do the CA125 blood test. It is a marker for Ovarian Ca (but can also be elevated with ovary infection etc). Since you had the ultrasound done and they viewed your ovaries, I wouldn't worry. They may want to view again but if it was not an obvious mass in which they sent you to a GYN/Oncologist, I would not stress over it. The symptoms of Ovarian cancer are vague, and you were right to go to your doctor to have it checked out, but they can also be related to other pelvic issues and you should not assume the worst.  Let me know what happens or if you have any other questions!
My best,
Angela

[nyc lady]

There has been a major push to educate women in the signs and symptoms of OvCa and while they are vague, any women that experiences these symptoms for more the 2 weeks should be seen by a GYN.  You already have done so.  When is the next sono scheduled for?  Hopefully on this coming sono the cysts will be gone!!!  The suggestion of possibly having a CA!25 blood test isn't a bad idea, just remember a CA125 does not diagnosis OvCa it is best used as a marker in someone that is already dx'd as there are so many reasons for false positive numbers and not all women with OvCa are CA125 sensitive and there numbers never go above the "normal" range.  A CA125 is best used along with the results of a transvaginal and/or CT Scan and an actual biopsy of the mass.  

Good luck to you and let us know how it goes.

[gatorfrog]

Thank you so much for your help.  I had posted this on the doctor site and accidentally posted it on here too, but it is so nice to talk to others and the help that I have received is immeasurable.
Angela, I have thought about asking for the CA125 test.  I don't have insurance so I am careful about what tests I get done (hard not having insurance).  My question to you is, after the other ultrasound, if it shows nothing to be concerned about, but I still have all these symptoms, should I press for more tests, do I see a urologist for the urinary urgency?  It is hard when you have to base everything on the money involved.
Yes, I realize that I am probably worried over nothing; however, they say that most women don't realize they have symtoms of OVCA until it is too late, so I would like to be sure, you know what I mean?
Thank you both for your suggestions and your help.

[Kellykil]

I had all the symptoms of ovarian cancer too, and guess what? I have it! My sonogram detected only cysts, but no mass. My doc didn't even want to do the blood test saying it would be elevated from the cysts. I got a 2nd opinion that said, "Sure it will be elevated, but how high?" Yes, it's true, ovarian cancer may not be detectable by CA 125, but it's worth the effort and not much cost to check. When mine came back at 105 (normal maxes at 35), my 1st doc said to wait for the appt in 3 weeks to have my 2nd sonogram and discuss the surgery. My 2nd opinion doc said do a laparosopy. He said, "Why sonogram again? You have pain, you have elevated CA 125, go in!" I'm glad I did, I had a 5-6 cm tumor and after removal found out it was papillary serous adenocarcinoma. That was two weeks ago today. I'm still numb and confused, but at least know that I need an oncologist/gyno now to help me. Minimizing a patient's concern for ovarian cancer, when there's valid reasons for them, is unethical. If you have had these symptoms for several weeks, get them checked out. Hopefully you only have endometriosis. Please look into getting financial assistance for the procedure and consider doing it. It is the surest ways to have a firm diagnosis. I hope I don't scare you, I don't intend that. I just don't want you to wait if you have pain, and all the other symptoms mentioned.

[rmarie]

If the cysts are still there, with the symptoms you describe, go for a second opinion with a Gyn/Onc.  The symptoms you describe are the ones they just published for Drs to pay attention to.  If my Gyn had done his job one year before I was diagnosed with cancer, I might not have been a stage 3.  A Gyn/Onc has an additional 3 years in womens health see one for a 2nd opinion.  Good luck,

[SimplyStar]

Just listen to what your body is telling you, the symptoms are there, it doesn't mean you have cancer, but it is a signal that something is wrong, do not be put off by doctors telling you to wait and see, if they had listened to my daughter she might not have been stage 3 either.  Go to any web site about OVCA and where they list the symptoms, print them out and take them with you.  I am in the process right now of getting all the local physicians to post these symptoms in their waiting rooms.

[gatorfrog]

First, let me just say how sorry I am that each of you and your daughter (SimplyStar) have been diagnosed with OVCA.  Thank you for taking the time to answer my post and offer advice.  Kellykil, hearing your story reiterates to me that I need to stay on top of this.  It is a good thing that you did and I will be thinking of you. Please let me know how you are doing!
rmarie, I will definitely seek out a 2nd opinion and with a gyn/onc after I find out the findings of my 2nd ultrasound.  I value that advice.
and SimplyStar, I took your advice and have printed out the symptoms and I will take them with me.  I should have done that already.  I kept telling my gyn that the frequency to go and the pelvic pressure had to be related and she keeps telling me no, they probably arn't, but I read on each site, that they are.  That is a wondeful thing that you are doing having them posted in the waiting rooms. Let us know how that goes.
Thank you to each of you for your time in responding and your advice. I will be thinking of all of you!
Colleen

[zoodle]

I am so confused about testing.  I requested a CA-125 because I don't know my family history. It was slightly elevated from 28 in 2001 to 40 last week.  My family doctor suggested a pelvic CT which was denied by insurance.  The doctor then suggested ultrasound. I started researching. I didn't know that test can be thrown off by so many factors.  I am premenopausal and started my period 2 days after the blood test. I decided to do another CA-125 test next week to see if the score changes much.  Do you think this is reasonable?  Do you think I should have the ultrasound too?  Thank you for letting me write. I truly needed to write out my concerns to those who understand my fears. I appreciate what you have shared here.

[zoodle]

I am sorry I put my question here.  I am new to this and didn't know how to post a question properly. My thoughts are with you.

[SimplyStar]

No sorries necessary, this forum is for all concerns, stories of hope, new and old things tried.  We are all sisters and can learn from each other how better to handle the rough times our bodies put us through. As is stated in the list of symptoms, if they persist for over 3 weeks, then you need to get the attention of a doctor that will order the proper tests. No one can dx OVCA just from a Ca125, if you have the bloating, fatigue, frequent urination, feel full after eating small amounts, pain in the pelvic area, bowel changes, ask for the TVS.  As you know OVCA is indeed a rare cancer, if you have a cyst/tumor it is most likely benign.  But to ignore the symptoms is not good. A CA125 and a TVS at the first office visit for my daughter could have saved her from 4 more months of cancer growth. Get the ultrasound hun and go from there .   Good Luck

[zoodle]

Thank you so much.  I am so worried and it is a comfort to hear from others.

[gatorfrog]

Do not be sorry for posting your comment on here.  This site has been invaluable to me and I read all the posts even if the subject is not something I think pertains to me.   SimplyStar has been a great comfort, so knowledgeable and very common sense.  I would agree with her comments.  Good luck and let us know how you do!