Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

[PamForshee]

I'm 33 years old.  I had precancerous cells on cervic at 18 years old.  I found out my biological mother had hysterectomy in early 40's from ovarian cysts (I think, I have no contact with my biological mom).  I'm very athletic and have been on birth control since I was 18 yrs old.  I have no kids and all paps/exams are normal.  However, in the past 6 months I have gained approximately 12 lbs and is concentrated in abdominal area (I normally gain weight in my legs and butt).  I have had a lot of gas for approximately 1 month, and I tend to get up at least 2 times at night to go to the bathroom.  I'm just wondering if I should have further testing to determine if I might be at higher risk for ovarian cancer or if I'm just being paranoid.  Thanks for your help.

[Carol139]

Never feel like paranoid =  not right!   Or at least worth a good look at what's going on.
Maybe there is something that is simple to explain, maybe you need help.  What ever it is, don't make the mistake so many of us make by thinking it will go away -
I ignored vaginal and left side pressure for months, thinking the doctor would think I was being a baby.
12 cm cyst was there by the time I went.

HUGS and there is no such thing as a stupid question. If it concerns you, it should be asked.  Good luck!

Carol

[tinkerbell76]

I have been on the birth control since I was in the military.  At the age of 18 is when I started with the birth control.  I was diagnosed with a blood clot in Sept in my right leg.  Then in November while I was on the blood thinners I ended up having rectal bleeding and I went back to the hospital again.  Then in December I returned to the hospital again because my primary physician said that I had internal bleeding and they said that I was extremely anemic. While in the hospital I had been diagnosed with a complex cyst on my right ovary and it was 11cm.  Then I had another complex cyst on my left ovary.  So now I have two.  But I can tell you from my own experience that the swelling in the stomach and abdomen can be so severe.  Right now I am wearing maternity clothes because I can not fit my own.  The pain on both of my sides causes me to get up throughout the night using the restroom.  I swear that I have never urinated so much throughout the night and the early morning when I should be sleeping.  REMEMBER THERE IS NEVER A STUPID QUESTION.  Also ask as many questions as possible when you are getting treatment feel free to write them down.  Because that is what I do and without I don't know what I would be like right now.

[Brownie3321]

Hey there. Ovarian cancer is a rare cancer. But, your symptoms are that of ovca, so just to stay ahead of the game I would schedule an appointment with your gyn. Ask to have a transvaginal ultrasound and ca-125 test if possible. Once you get some further testing, let us know what the results are. Best of luck, Deandra

[madgeOwens]

If Ovarian Cancer is rare then why do I hear of so many women have died from it?

[Brownie3321]

Well, it is estimated that 22,500 women will be diagnosed with ovca and more than 15,000 will die from ovca. I don't like to pay attention to the stats because we are individuals but I think the stats answer your question. Take care, Deandra

[rmarie]

You have been getting every 6 month gyn follow up, that is appropriate for your cervical issue.  Have they done a transvaginal ultrasound, to look for ovarian cysts?  While a weight gain is not usually indicative of cancer, we usually lose weight.  You need to discuss the problems you are having with your dr and get a really good blood work.  Without knowing why your biological mother had her ovaries out, for sure it it hard to know if she had OVCA.  Factors in your favor for it not being ca, are your age, taking birth control pills (suppression of eggs is a good thing).  The symptoms sound like OVCA, but then a number of other things initially present like OVCA.  So start with a good physical, with blood work that includes thyroid studies and hormone studies, along with the transvaginal ultasound, which on google news today is reporting that done by a highly skilled radiologist can provide very accurate information.  Keep in mind also the majority of ovarian problems are benign, given the number of women with OVCA we are a small percentage.   Be proactive                Marie

[Jan214]

I really can't add much more except to say that the symptoms you are having are not normal and you need to pursue it until you find out exactly what it is.  I definitely agree that a good blood work up and a TVUS are the best route to go right now.
Good luck and do let us know what happens.
Jan

[madgeOwens]

According to ovarian cancer statistics, this fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death in women will affect approximately 1 out of every 69 women born today. Other statistics show that the average age at diagnosis is 63 and the average age at death is 71. Ovarian cancer statistics gathered by the American Cancer Society indicate that in 2006, 20,180 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 15,310 women will die as a result.

Thats enough for me..............they can take mine out.

[Brownie3321]

Sure, like I already said around 22,000 dx and over 15,000 will die. Which basicly translates to ovca being a rare disease, but a deadly one. If we were to go by stats, we would all have our breasts removed because the chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 35 (about 3%). In 2007, about 40,460 women will die from breast cancer in the United States. It is also said that the chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is about 1 in 8 (12%). It is estimated that in 2007 about 178,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States. That's a lot more than 22,000. That was all I was trying to say when stating ovca is a rare disase. Best wishes, Deandra

[madgeOwens]

I think if you have someone in your family with breast or ovarian cancer you should dollow up on any twinge at all just to be on the safe side.....and Deandra you were clear and concise...good posting:)