Could this be ovarian cancer

[lb03e]

I had a miscarriage two years ago.  About a three months later, I had this sharp, stabbing pain on the right side of my abdominen.  The pain felt a lot like labor contractions and radiated round my side and through to my back, near the kidney area.  The first occurrence was the one just described while working out at the gym. Ever since, I've had these same pains when I do any abdominal exercise and now sometimes for no reason.  The pain can range from uncomfortable to excrutiating. It usually doesn't last more than twenty minutes.  In the last year, the pain has been accompanied by constipation, extremely uncomfortable bloating, pressure, abdominal distension (I look four months pregnant 4-5 days out of the week) and fatigue. I eat healthy vegetarian foods and increasing fiber only gives me gas. From time to time, I also have urinary tract infection-like symptoms (bladder feels full, but really isn't).  This last week, the pain came back followed by slightly bloody vaginal discharge.  I've now had the discharge for 3 days and the abdominal spot that usually hurts is just sore.  I've had a clear ultrasound, but am getting the runaround from my doctors and insurance about a CT.  I am afraid this is ovarian cancer even though I'm only 27.  I don't know my family history b/c mom was an orphan. What should I do?

[82go]

I cant believe what ive just read. It was like reading about myself. Ive had these same symptoms for about 8yrs shortly after miscarrying. But I hate doctors so refused to go. Until the pain got so bad i was vomiting. I was sent for scans and various blood tests all to no avail. They didn't find a thing wrong. I was then sent to a specialist to see what he could do for me. I asked him if I might be going through an early menopause and even though he agreed my symptoms had all the hallmarks it was unlikely because of my age. I'm 39. Since miscarrying I have never been able to get pregnant. By this time I was on anti-depressants because I was feeling low 24/7. I was told to keep taking the tablets as they appeared to alleviate some of the pain. I was disgusted as I felt I was being fobbed off and still didn't know what was wrong with me. That was in March of this year. I stopped taking the pills because I knew that they were just covering up the real problem. I wanted a name for my condition. I don't know whats wrong with me and I need to know so I can deal with it. I have since seen quite a few more doctors but all they do is try to fob you off with yet more pills. My pain is getting worse. So yet again I'm off to see another doctor. I wont stop till I find out what is wrong. Fingers crossed this time I will find the answer. Will keep you posted.

[CLN1]

I would continue to follow up with a doctor.  Ovarian cysts is also a possibility.  Sometimes they go away and sometimes they don't, they can also burst which would explain a change in pressure and pain.  I would work towards getting an ultrasound or other test which would reveal any mass in the area.

It's a process of elimination and you need to continue with the tests until you find what it could be.  The Doc says it's not likely ovarian cancer but that wouldn't be a good enough answer for me.  I would get the necessary tests to find out.  

Kitmcgee: What about a biopsy of the cyst?  Would you need it to rule out ovarian cancer or can the doctor tell by the ultra sound for certain that it is not?

[kitmcgee]

I have a related question, and since I couldn't post a new question within this forum (the question limit has been reached), I will post it here.  I am a 28/f who has been experiencing very heavy night sweats (drenching to the point where I need to change my pj's -- top and bottom -- sometimes twice in one night for 4-5 nights out of the week).  This has been occurring since late January.  There was a period of about 10 weeks where I didn't have any sweats at all (Mid-March through early June), but they came back and have been relentless ever since.  I have also been experiencing pain (including a constant dull ache, and the occasional sharp stabbing pain) in my lower left abdomen.  Two months ago, I had mid-cycle bleeding that lasted for 5 days (I am very regular and have never experienced irregular or bleeding between cycles in my life).  During this time, the pain was much worse than usual.  I did not have mid-cycle bleeding last month, however.  I have also been having frequent (almost daily) headaches, although I am not sure if it is related.  

I had an ultrasound 4 weeks ago which revealed an ovarian cyst (left ovary).  I just had another follow up u/s yesterday.  Although the results of the second u/s have not been received, I could see very plainly on the monitor that the cyst appears larger than before (again, waiting for the official results) and is white in color.  

My doctor told me (upon my initial visit for just the night sweats, and before the ovarian pain began) that the sweats were likely due to stress (my mom had a brain aneurysm operation in February so I was under tremendous stress at the time).  When the sweats returned, I was given a blood test for thyroid, anemia, liver and a CBC.  All were normal.  Shortly after the sweats returned, the abdominal pain began and has remained constant since.  

I'm not rushing to assume it's cancer, but I guess I want to get another opinion as to whether I am on the right course.  My understanding is that ovarian cysts usually go away naturally after a few months, but if my night sweats have been occurring for seven months, does that mean my ovarian cyst has been around for this long (or longer)?  Would you recommend any additional testing, aside from what my doctor has already ordered?  I'm curious to hear your thoughts on my situation.  Thanks in advance.  

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

Ovarian cancer is incredibly unlikely.  I suggest you continue to work with your physician to get to the bottom of your symptoms.  Pelvic pain can be a very challenging diagnosis.  Try to have patience and find a doctor you like and trust to help you through this.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing