bladder pressure and ovarian cancer

[tbennett]

I am 35 years old and have had some general lower pelvic discomfort for about 2-3 months that will come and go. Over the last 3 days I have experienced constant bladder pressure with frequent urination, lower back pain, and some fatigue.  My UA was normal and pelvic exam felt normal to nurse practioner.  My grandmother died of ovarian cancer at age 63.  I am worried I have ovarian cancer although I have had no further testing at this point.  Could these symptoms be related to something else?  Would the nurse practioner have been able to feel a tumor on the ovaries if one was present?  Please help I am very worried.
Thank you.

[dian07]

I apologize to everyone for posting twice....I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I DID BUT I ADMIT GUILT......geeze I am such a whiz on these amazing machines.....
Peace Ladies.
dian

[tbennett]

Thanks so much for your response.  You have helped put my mind at some ease.  I will ask for U/S if symptoms persist.  Thanks again.
Tiffany

[turtledovemom]

tbennett...
Are your doctor and nurse practitioner aware of your grandmother's history with ovca?  Not all growths are immediately palpable.  Ovca is frequently called the silent killer because by the time symptoms are profound enough to be easily seen/felt, the  disease has progressed.  Keep track of your symptoms, definitely, but don't presume that you shouldn't be seen by your doc.  Keep us posted.
peace,
Anne

[Tybear]

Hi there... I certainly don't mean to frighten you, but my only symptom that lead me to my cancer diagnosis, was a pain in my bladder and frequent urination. I don't know about feeling the tumors though - I remember my Dr telling me that Ov/Ca was the most facinating cancer, because it can present as so many different things. He said he had a patient who was diagnosed with late stage cancer, but when they did the surgery, there were actually no tumors on her ovaries - just everywhere else. With your family history, I think it might be worthwhile to ask for a CA125 blood teat. Although no good Dr would ever diagnose Ov/Ca from this test (because many benign conditions can elevate the levels) if it is elevated, it may be a place to start to look for the problem. I know though, with you being so young, they may not do it as it's really not as accurate in premenopausal women. I would definately pursue this though - especially with your family history. And if your Dr even suggests to you that your too young - I was 26 when I was diagnosed, and I have no family history of ANY type of cancer. Keep us updated!
Becky

[dian07]

Hello there.....my pap and bimanual was perfectly normal according to the CNP I see for routine exams...I said I wanted to see a gyn as I had pressure on my rectum and bladder....we both thought my uterus had slipped after my pregnancies...the gyn examined me and said I had fibroids...make an appointment at the front desk for an appt to get ultrasounds done....I scheduled one for that same day....didn't want to wait....after the ultrasounds I refused to leave until the doc saw the pics....he told me then and there that the tumors were highly indicative of ovarian cancer....remember I went in because there was pressure on my bladder and rectum....I saw a gyn/onc the very next morning and had surgery the following morning....I am so glad as it was caught early...IC....."NO" ....OVARIAN CANCER TUMORS CANNOT ALWAYS BE PALPATED......be persistant....find out what is going on and remember "YOU HAVE ONLY ONE CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME"....do see a gyn/oncologist as this is their arena of expertiese....please do stay in touch....
Peace.
dian

[dian07]

Hello there.....my pap and bimanual was perfectly notmal according to the CNP i see for routine exams...I said I wanted to see a gyn as I had pressure on my rectum and bladder....we both thought my uterus had slipped after my pregnancies...the gyn examined me and said I had fibroids...make an appointment at the front desk for an appt to get ultrasounds done....I scheduled one for that same day....didn't want to wait....after the ultrasounds I refused to leave until the doc saw the pics....he told me then and there that the tumors were highly indicative of ovarian cancer....remember I went in because there was pressure on my bladder and rectum....I saw a gyn/onc the very next morning and had surgery the following morning....I am so glad as it was caught early...IC.....NO OVARIAN CANCER TUMORS CANNOT ALWAYS BE PALPATED......be persistant....find out what is going on and remember"YOU HAVE ONLY ONE CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME"....

[milashka]

Me too I had what I thought was a bladder infection...some incontinence and bladder discomfort. It snowballed to OvCA stage 3C when the bladder infection didn't clear up despite antibiotics. My suggestion: go back NOW, ask for CA125 and vaginal ultrasound.

[LindaF]

Yes, you should have a palpable mass. Without one, OVCA isnt' really considered because OVCA creates a solid mass or complex cystic structure. Since it is in your family history, I would go back if the symptoms continue and ask for an U/S. More than likely, it's hormone-related. Progesterone issues cause those symptoms in me.

Linda