Aa
worried about having ovarian cancer
I have symptoms of being bloated after most meals, the othe rnight i experienced intense sharp pains in my left ovary area, lasted about 15mins, the next night i have strong cramps in my stomach and have noticed the past week and a bit what could be protein in my urine...i read that these symtpoms are of ovarian cancer and amd starting to get really stressed that i have that. What are my chances of having ovarian cancer?
You gals are great. I have learned so much just from reading all of your advice and thoughts. I am having very similiar problems and was wondering what the actual symptoms are of ovarian cancer? When do you consider it a neccessity to see a gynecologist? I hope the original poster gets the treatment she needs and deserves no matter what she decides. Thanks so much to all of you, since I've been visiting this site I have felt better informed and like I'm not alone. It's been a blessing.
If you are able to see a gyne, they will most likely want to do a pelvic ultrasound and this will give them a clearer view of your ovaries,which may be helpful in determining what is happening. Please let us know how you are doing!
Seeing a gyn first makes more sense, since the vast majority of problems can be at least idealized on a single visit. If there is something in your PAP smear, or felt on pelvic exam, or abnormalities noticed by the gyn, well, then you have a place to work from.
If you start with the internist, you have several areas to look at, multiple tests, etc. It's very true that both OvCa and cysts can cause bladder or bowel problems (I had both...). But if you start with the gastro-guy, you will end up with some tests, and likely some meds and diet changes to see if they work. A month later, if there's no changes, then you know that there may be nothing. But then they try something else, and by the time you and they realize it's not IBS or something similar, the cyst, etc has time to grow and cause more problems.
In my opinion, you should go with the gyn first to rule out any gyn-related problems.
But, no matter what, you need to go see someone! Even if it's your general practitioner... they know that if you come in with gyn related problems, it's better to refer you on.
~Marianne
If you start with the internist, you have several areas to look at, multiple tests, etc. It's very true that both OvCa and cysts can cause bladder or bowel problems (I had both...). But if you start with the gastro-guy, you will end up with some tests, and likely some meds and diet changes to see if they work. A month later, if there's no changes, then you know that there may be nothing. But then they try something else, and by the time you and they realize it's not IBS or something similar, the cyst, etc has time to grow and cause more problems.
In my opinion, you should go with the gyn first to rule out any gyn-related problems.
But, no matter what, you need to go see someone! Even if it's your general practitioner... they know that if you come in with gyn related problems, it's better to refer you on.
~Marianne
Hello, and I agree with all you wise ladies. I'd start with the gyne and then go to a gastro, or urologist from there if you are still getting no answers.
Keep us posted and welcome to the forum!
Linda J
Keep us posted and welcome to the forum!
Linda J
We're grateful that Dr. Goodman has been brought on to moderate the site that you listed. She is, in fact, a gyn/onc. Unfortunately, not all women are fortunate enough to even be aware that there is such a specialty in existence. Insurance companies vary in their regulations, its true. However, there is a significant number of teaching hospitals in the US as well as cancer centers who accept patients, both American and international, without a physician's reference.
The majority of women who post responses on this site do their best to actually read what is being shared by the individuals who start threads. We encourage each other to be open-minded about the information that is available to all of us. We don't always agree on everything, however one of the most important things that we do agree on is that ALL women deserve the opportunity to receive the best medical care possible.
If your life has been touched by ovarian cancer, I feel very sorry for you. It's a walk that no one should have to take, regardless of their economic status, race, creed or color. If you haven't walked the walk, then please don't muddy the talk.
peace,
Anne
The majority of women who post responses on this site do their best to actually read what is being shared by the individuals who start threads. We encourage each other to be open-minded about the information that is available to all of us. We don't always agree on everything, however one of the most important things that we do agree on is that ALL women deserve the opportunity to receive the best medical care possible.
If your life has been touched by ovarian cancer, I feel very sorry for you. It's a walk that no one should have to take, regardless of their economic status, race, creed or color. If you haven't walked the walk, then please don't muddy the talk.
peace,
Anne
I think you are being irresponsible by telling gals on the Ovarian Cancer site to go to Internist. Ovarian cysts and Ovarian cancer do have the symptons that she is talking about. I know I have been there and still doing it! I do not mean to scare Halyez but knowing what I know now, I would advise a Gyno first!
Kathy
Kathy
In the fight against Ovarian Cancer it is imperative that women get diagnosed as early as possible. It could truly mean the difference between Life and Death! I just feel that when a woman comes on here presenting symptons that I am familiar with that maybe they need to seek the wisdom of a Gyno... and then go from there. Thanks for listening,
kathy
kathy
I agree with turtledove and gatsby, going to a gyn would be my first stop.. We are passed along alot of times to the old you have IBS or acid reflux when in fact it is a gyno problem at least mine was as were alot of other women on here, I was told I had IBS even though I kept telling the Dr. I did not have any of those symptons. So be persistant!!!
Kathy
Kathy
My thought is that if haylez is posting here, she's probably put 2 and 2 together and come up with something that resembles gynecological difficulties.
Tascha speaks the truth. 99% of our cysts will be benign. Unfortunately, others will be malignant. If you have the means to do so, please see a gyn/onc. Most of us have not had a red flag go up to warn us about malignancies. The symptoms are what they are, and are being advertised more prominently for us to learn. We don't mean to frighten you. We do mean to guide your steps in a better prepared direction.
peace,
Anne
peace,
Anne
Welcome!! Ovca and ovarian cysts tend to have the same symptoms. Please get an appointment with a gyn/onc. Not because of cancer, but because they are specialists in this area and have more education. A gyn/onc has seen it all and will be able to help more than just a gyn. Many of us have been where you are and only have cysts, while others are dx with ovca. Please get medical attention so that you can get this taken care of. Even ovarian cysts can cause so many symptoms. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed
~Tascha
~Tascha
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