Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Cancer

[JENNYJAYNE]

I,m really worried about my daughter.Sinceshe wasin her early 20's she has suffered bad stomach/pelvic pains,somuch so that she was hospitalised on 3 occasions.The 1st 2 they diagnosed urine infections and the 3rd they removed her appendix, but she still continued with the problems and a the only treatment she was given was anti-biotics, until recently she insisted on some kind of tests to find out what is going on.Also for the last 5 years she has been getting abnormal smear tests, but all they keep doing is repeating the tests and reassuring her that its nothing to worry about, but I've certainly been worried about them!She is now 30 yrs old and so far has had an ultra-sound and  been told she has a cyst on her ovary and both her ovaries are enlarged which I now assume is Polycystic Ovary syndrome as I have been on the internet to find out the symptoms.She has also  been trying for a baby for over a year with no luck, so had asked her doctor to refer her for fertility tests but has recieved no appointment yet.She is a tiny girl only 5ft tall and has always been quite skinny weighing approximately between 6-7 stone, but about 5months ago she seemed to gain weight just in her tummy and thinking she could be pregnant did a test, which proved negative.She still has this bloated tummy now and my main worry now is that one of the symptoms of ovarian cancer is a bloated tummy giving an "apple" shape. Is it possible she could have ovarian cancer at her age? And what can I advise her without causing her undue worry?
I would be so grateful for any advice or a reply from anyone

[SimplyStar]

take her to an onocologist ASAP  They can tell you what the problem is

[s13]

Don't take no for an answer!  I'm only 30 yrs. old (& postmenopausal since '03) w/ a history of severe Endometriosis.  I have no repro. organs left & present w/ symptoms of metastatic Ovarian Cancer.  My OBGYN has referred me to Oncologists & I have several procedures & a  2nd laparotomy coming up.  She needs a transvaginal ultrasound right away; a CT of her abdominal/pelvic region; a CA-125 marker test (if it can help in her situation).  You don't give up until ALL of those have been done RIGHT AWAY!  You don't need a family history of Ovarian Cancer; only 10% are inherited - the remaining 90% are due to genetic mutations related to anything from environmental toxins to benign gynelogical conditions.  If there is ascites present (fluid in her abdomen/pelvic region), demand it be aspirated & tested for a malignacy immediately.  You have to be very aggressive!  Drs. have passed me off for too long now, because of my age & no repro. organs.  Best of luck & I'll be thinking/praying for you & your daughter.  Keep me posted.  Peace.

[lilly64]

Your post is extremely concerning. Five years of abnormal paps and nothing has been done??!!  You have got to get your daughter away from whoever she is seeing; take her to an entire set of new doctors - gynological/oncologists.  (I may even suggest getting copies of all her pap tests for legal action down the road).  I would suggest a university hospital if there is one near you.  She needs evaluation by a competent doctor (contradictory in terms sometimes, I'm afraid) immediately.  If you have any other questions at all - no matter what they may be - feel free to post all you want.  This forum has been amazing for me and I am confident it will get you and your daughter through this.  I don't know where you live, but if you are in the States, I can try to be of service in helping you find the correct doctor.  Best of luck/wishes to you.  And please keep us posted.

[SimplyStar]

I take it from your use of "stone" for weight that you are not in the states. But please get your daughter to a competent doctor like NOW. An onocologist will order the correct tests and get her started on the road to recovery. Be very certain they do not put you on hold. Insist on a diagnosis.

[lilly64]

I guess I should have picked up on that as well (the stone weight).  I guess I'm just very frustrated from this story.  Please seek treatment for your daughter, like NOW, as the last post said.  Best!  Lilly