Medical Questions > Cancer > Cervical Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Forum

Possible Ovarian Cancer?

Must Read
Millions of Americans are diagnosed with cancer. But what exactly is cancer and how does it affect the body?...
What puts you at risk for developing cancer? Learn how you can avoid or reduce exposure to risk factors for cancer here....
Cancer can occur anywhere in the body. But what are the signs and symptoms of cancer? Learn about general symptoms of cancer here....
I recently had a lumbar and pelvic mri to check for a possible lipoma on my lower left back ,along the hips just above the buttocks, which has been causing pain and inflammation only on my left side of my body from the neck,arm,back,hip,leg to the left big toe. Mri results were discussed today and although they couldnt see the lipoma on the mri but even the doc has felt it, i was found to have a 4cm cyst. According to the report, it says, "There is a cystic structure,however, that is just to the left midline and behind the uterus that is thought to be surrounded at rim margin by ovarian tissue indicating an ovarian mass in left pelvis. No fluid, collection, inflammation or adenopathy is seen. Pelvic ultrasound is suggested to evaluate this cystic structure in the left pelvis thought to be ovarian in origin."
what do you guys think of that? I am 33 years old, mom to 4 boys. I have had 2 c sections and a tubal done about 4 years ago. Some other symptoms i have been experiencing are occasional left pelvic pain, chronic fatigue, urinary retention, bloating, excessive gas and gas pains, decreased appetite, easy to fill full, with really no weight issues besides not being able to lose or gain much weight. I am 5'6 and 161 lbs..which 2 weeks ago i weighed 158.
I am set to schedule to have a pelvic ultrasound, bloodwork and urine test(not sure what tests their performing). Any thoughts or ideas on this? I would greatly appreciate it.
thanks
trish
Did you find this post helpful?
First Helper User Profile MandMs
|

User Profile
replied June 16th, 2008
Extremely eHealthy
Welcome to EHEALTHforum!
Do you find yourself with increased abdominal size?
Do you have increased urgency for urination?
Are you experiencing pelvic pain during intercourse?
Do you find it difficult to empty your bladder completely?
Do you often feel nausea and need to vomit?
Have you felt pain or pressure during bowel movements?
|
Did you find this post helpful?

replied June 16th, 2008
my symptoms
These are the current symptoms i have
chronic fatigue
dull to stinging left sided pain
chronic lower back back
problems completely emptying my bladder
excessive gas( i literally have to hold it in sometimes..lol)
feeling full easily
decreased appetite
0 significant weight changes( i bounce back 3 lbs -/+ about every 2 weeks)
i cant really determine if my belly pouch is due to 2 previous c sections, 1995 and 2002 and a tubal in 2003.'
any thoughts?
thanks
trish
|
Did you find this post helpful?

User Profile
replied June 17th, 2008
Extremely eHealthy
Most ovarian cysts are benign (not cancer). Symptoms of ovarian cyst can be very similar to the ones of ovarian cancer.
Pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back, or legs, bloated abdomen, indigestion, gas, feeling very tired all the time can be an early symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Feeling the need to urinate often is less common symptom of ovarian cancer.
Difficulty emptying your bladder completely, can be due to pressure on your bladder by the ovarian cyst.
Although it is called "silent disease", ovarian cancer causes bloating, increased abdominal size, urinary symptoms and pelvic pain in half of the women with this condition.
Please, don't worry until you get all examinations (blood test, ultrasound, biopsy)

Did all of these symptoms have rapid onset?

Best wishes!
Marija
|
Did you find this post helpful?

replied June 17th, 2008
re : symptoms
hi thanks for your reply. I never really paid attention to my symptoms related to this newly found cyst as I thought that the pelvic pain and the urinary problems were due to 2 previous c sections , one in 1995 and in 2002 and a tubal in 2003. My main pain was chronic back pain, leg pain, arm pain and chronic fatigue that docs all thought i had fibromyalgia until this lump underneath my skin on my lower back showed up(well felt really, as this lump is not visible) which prompted the lumbar and pelvic mri and then incidently found the 4 cm ovarian mass. Doc started to ask me about other symptoms..irregular bowels/urinary probs ...i go from constipated to loose all the time,i pass gas excessively, i frequently have to urinate and unable to completely empty my bladder, dull to sharp lower left pelvic pains, back pain, leg pain, arm pain which are all chronic, i am always tired and have chronic insomnia, menses change every few months from regular for a few months, then start a different cycle for a another few months,etc. My maternal side has hx of ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Mt doc ordered bloodwork which i know didnt include the ca-125 blood work..just the folate, vit b12, thyroid,rheumatoid factor and a pelvic ultrasound on the 30th of this month. Although they felt but did not see the lump on my mri, doc also ordered another set of mri's , c spine this time to see if the probs with my back are up higher and a consult with a surgeon to evaluate the need of the lump inside my back to come out and possibly biopsy. I did my pity day on the day i got the news and then hubby and i decided to take one day at a time, hope for the best and deal with the rest if and when that time comes. All answers will come when they come i guess, as i do have to deal with military docs as hubby is in active navy. So at this point, we are just taking it day by day and its a waiting game. I have been dealing with navy docs for all this pain for almost 7 years with having to "fire" quite a few as i felt as soon as they see "fibromyalgia" on my med chart, i get dismissed as just more c/o pains and get sent home with more pain meds , different anti-depressants,etc, etc... oh lord i think i just went on too much..lol
well, any thoughts to this would be helpful:)
Again thanks for listening
Trish
|
Did you find this post helpful?

User Profile
replied July 2nd, 2008
Extremely eHealthy
Changes in bowel movements (frequency and consistency) can be seen in a case of ovarian cancer.
Is the lump on your back protruded?
Is that area painful?
Did you get your results already?
|
Did you find this post helpful?

replied July 2nd, 2008
update
well i got my pelvic us done on monday..the tech did mention that he did see "something" on my right pelvic area but did not mention the left where originally the previous mri had found..lol did it move? he also did a bladder scan which showed pre voiding, 660 cc of urine in bladder and post void of 325 cc. he did an ultrasound of my kidneys as well, then he decided he needed to do an vaginal pelvic us, oh did that hurt when he was manipulating the wand inside me and pushing down on my uterus at the same time. i wont know the results till monday ,july 7th..as well as the results of the ca 125 i requested to be drawn. i have a surgeon consult on the 11th regarding the lump on my back. this lump cannot be seen from the surface of the skin. it can only be felt. i know that this lump is also causing my left hip, back and leg pain although the doc says it shouldnt as it is not suppossedly located in any nerve paths( its right above my left buttock, about midline.) the lump itself can be a lil painful when messed around with and can cause radiating pain to my back,leg and hips. it is hard for me to sleep on my left side as it does hurt and i also have trouble bearing weight on my left side as well. i am not sure what the next step will be until i see the doc on monday ...i have also been experiencing left pelvic pains and aches, some lightheadedness and fatigue as well. It is also so weird that each time i see someone at the hospital here, the doc or tech will say something like" dr. so and so was mentioning someone that fits your description".. i will post update after my appt, hoping for the best..let me know what u think
thanks
trish
|
Did you find this post helpful?

User Profile
replied July 28th, 2008
Extremely eHealthy
Is this lump movable and firm?
Has it changed its size rapidly or slowly over the time?
|
Did you find this post helpful?

replied November 12th, 2008
possible ovarian cancer
Your symptoms sound just like mine, only mine are on right. Had Hysterectomy in 2000 left one ovary Had ultrasound last week but tec said to much gas to get a read. How did you make out. I have not heard from my doc yet. He too thinks I make this thing up. I have chronic pain and they all feel all I want is stronger drugs! Let me know how you are making out. Thanks
|
Did you find this post helpful?

replied June 27th, 2009
Same Symptons Ovarian Cyst Tests
Pain-deep pain and left side pain and swollen mass, gas, boating, feeling like my uterus is going to fall out, swelling of lower back, difficulty emptying bladder, insomnia, fatigue, IBS, feel like crap. Doctor said I had a cyst on my ovaries and prescribed me birth control pills and naproxen sodium. Concerned if it's cancerous or not and if they can tell from an ultrasound. No other tests done and it concerns me. Have heard hormone testing, biopsy, blood work, etc. are protocol for determining cancerous or not also how they look in the ultrasound shape and density.
Anyone know what I should do??? Nice to have others going through what Im going through,though feel for you all the same and don't wish this on anyone!
|
Did you find this post helpful?

replied July 30th, 2009
My sister is in pain...
Please help if you can. My 24 year old sister recently had her first gynecological exam (I know, she ought to have had them before now) and they found abnormal cells. They sent her to a university hospital for another pap smear and a biopsy of her cervix. The results haven't come in yet, but they did mention "severe cell abnormalities in two places." This was on thursday a week ago. Ever since her biopsy she has experienced bleeding (they said it was normal) and severe pain in the left side of her abdomen. The bleeding and pain were so bad that we went in for another check up and they examined her and said that the biopsy location was nearly healed and that the pain and bleeding were likely a stress induced period. This is not so. Blood from the uterus and blood from the cervical canal are different. The bleeding has since stopped (about two days ago), but the pain has stayed. She is also extremely fatigued. We do not have insurance, but we know a nice doctor who said she could check her out for a low price. The woman is a very good doctor and expressed concern that the people at university hospital wrote off the symptoms so easily. She prodded my sister in one spot on the left side of her abdomen, saw that it caused sharp pain and diagnosed stress induced gastritis or stomach ulcer. She prescribed a medication to heal the stomach lining. The thing is, my sister says her symptoms do not match those of gastritis or stomach ulcer (typically a burning acidic pain). I am very concerned. Should I recommend a stomach ultrasound? Any advice or thoughts? Is this normal after a cervical biopsy?
|
Did you find this post helpful?

replied August 4th, 2009
Re: My sister is in pain...
erincait wrote:
Please help if you can. My 24 year old sister recently had her first gynecological exam (I know, she ought to have had them before now) and they found abnormal cells. They sent her to a university hospital for another pap smear and a biopsy of her cervix. The results haven't come in yet, but they did mention "severe cell abnormalities in two places." This was on thursday a week ago. Ever since her biopsy she has experienced bleeding (they said it was normal) and severe pain in the left side of her abdomen. The bleeding and pain were so bad that we went in for another check up and they examined her and said that the biopsy location was nearly healed and that the pain and bleeding were likely a stress induced period. This is not so. Blood from the uterus and blood from the cervical canal are different. The bleeding has since stopped (about two days ago), but the pain has stayed. She is also extremely fatigued. We do not have insurance, but we know a nice doctor who said she could check her out for a low price. The woman is a very good doctor and expressed concern that the people at university hospital wrote off the symptoms so easily. She prodded my sister in one spot on the left side of her abdomen, saw that it caused sharp pain and diagnosed stress induced gastritis or stomach ulcer. She prescribed a medication to heal the stomach lining. The thing is, my sister says her symptoms do not match those of gastritis or stomach ulcer (typically a burning acidic pain). I am very concerned. Should I recommend a stomach ultrasound? Any advice or thoughts? Is this normal after a cervical biopsy?



this same thing is happening to me, kinda. i went to my doctor with complaints of dull pain around my ovaries and he performed a pelvic exam. that night i started bleeding bright red and bled bright red for a little over a week. i had an ultrasound done and it showed a few cysts. i'm no longer bleeding but i am still in pain as well. i also have an abnormal pap smear along with 6 months now without menstruation... i'm loosing my mind slowly as well... in search of a new doctor will let you know what happens. has your sister been getting her periods?
|
Did you find this post helpful?

replied February 9th, 2012
Ovarian or barium reaction/UCLA unnecessary bad medicine
Hi all- wow the anxiety can kill you if anything, eh?! And the WAIT to do anything because of not having proper healthcare or even worries of losing a job/wages due to recovery time. I'm a young airforce widow--so on top of that I have no supportive family either. Well I went in for a regular gyno exam Jan. 13 and just mentioned about Type 1 diabetes (since age 4) having yeast infections due to poor BG control. She suggested to take an ultrasound as well as the usual annuals. PAP and blood test cultures came back all fine. Ultrasound found a 6.8cm cyst around one ovary (size of a golfball). So she got me so in fear saying "this must be taken out now and it is so large they have to do it thru the abdomen!" WAIT - hold on-- what about blood tests and other scans?? NO- YOU HAVE TO DO IT NOW! And they made so many mistakes about billing and my diabetes after just two visits- I just wanted to take my medical records - which she delayed instead of handing over to me that day- and burn the bridge with this new gyno I found after 3 years of no gyno. So I called UCLA right away and asked them to expedite receiving her u.s. image/report and other labs. I went to a private blood lab and ordered 5 cancer protein labs OVA and others-- out of the 5 / 2 came back elevated. CA-125 I have found is dubious- so don't only have that one-- it can be elevated if you are young, if you are on your period (which I was) , if you are diabetic--- so do NOT rely on this one only. I get an appt with a Dr. Oliver Dorigo (google Dr. Dorigo BAD Horrible and you would be wise to STAY AWAY- but I was ignorant prior to seeing him). He does his own UT-ultrasound and finds MORE masses! He says no rush- but we must do full laproscopy thru the abdomen- robotic assisted since recovery and infection are an issue with me. Most likely all benign due to no- I MEAN NO pain- I swim 2 miles in ocean 3 days a week-- and no family history of ANY cancers. He says he most likely will take out my ovaries. I videotaped the whole exam consult due to being there all by myself. After review- I would ask specific questions and he would deflect-- Are there alternatives to surgery? deflect. But my PAP and other tests are all normal- deflect. What is recovery time- will I be on chemo- what are chances these are benign- if so then if no pain why do they have to come out? Deflect NO ANSWER. I walked out so full of fear- he set up surgery for March 1. I come home calling around for people to take care of my pets and trying to get as much income coming in to prepare for a long delay to get back to work. This was all Feb. 1st. on Feb 2nd Dr. Dorigo calls and says he must move up surgery for Feb. 9th and without robot. I ask why- he said it seems 50 /50 chance these tumors are malignant and he wants to take out ALL reproductive organs- ovaries, cervicx , uterus (it is enlarged) , lymph glands, ompertium (sp?). WAIT WAIT WAIT-- is all that is in my head. I still have NO PAIN and I want more time to set things up. HE YELLED AT ME- If you don't want the surgery fine! I demanded MORE tests. So he set up a CT scan of chest, pelvic and abdomen cavities. I go in on Feb. 6 and take oral barium and IV barium - NEVER did anyone alert me that Type 1s do NOT take barium- kidneys are too fragile. Feb. 7th I was in ER from barium toxic reaction- welts all over my body- in my thighs, lower kidney/flank pain and BGs off the wall. This is UCLA folks. Relieved it was not cancer spreading symptoms but still in much pain after ER visit- but ER doc said he would not release me from surgery and I revealed that I put in FIVE phone calls to this Dr. Dorigo and NOT one reply in 4 days. I requested ALL my medical records so I can seek a 2nd opinion- Dr. Dorigo responded by calling my family (whom I have not spoken to of this) and demanded I DO NOT seek a 2nd opinion because I have NO TIME to do so. ER doctor said if it was his family member - he would NOT allow Dorigo anywhere near me due to this unpro behaviour... Dorigo should be opening doorways/expediting path so I can get 2nd opinion to CONFIRM his prognosis! I can't even get the common courtesy of a return phone call to discuss my CT results... So Feb. 9th is today and I wake up this morning- still with barium flank pain but now upper thigh and upper arm pain too. No one ever mentioned this is part of barium reaction.. but it all shows up under ovarian cancer/cysts reaction. I have set up appts with a new gyno /onco and a D.O. for next week but I had to hire an attorney to get UCLA/Dorigo to release all my medical records!!! As I said- hindsight for me-- but google your doctor's name and ADD words "bad+horrible" just to see if there are entire websites revealing your doctor is a factory and just rips out organs just because he can...unncecessary surgery is Dr. Oliver Dorigo's main history . All I ever looked up was medical board and healthgrades.com--nothing to reveal there. Everyone PLEASE take the time to share pos or neg comments of your doctors on yelp.com, healthgrades.com/vitals.com-- we all need to get rid of the bad doctors to prevent all this horrible anxiety and bad medical practice and let us focus on being healthy and emotionally healthy as well. Sheesh-- so much I am going thru physically and now I had to escalate with attorneys and still I am suffering and must delay things for simple reasons of awaiting medical files to be delivered to me...UCLA-Geffen Center of ob/gyn-- stay away.
|
Did you find this post helpful?

replied February 9th, 2012
Addendum to my UCLA/Dorigo post-- my question- is it barium severe allergic reaction still persisting OR ovarian cancer/cysts-- due to the original diagnosis to have radical hysterectomy and all the tumors found in my pelvic area after ultrasound. Know this-- in ER on Feb 7th due to barium reaction-- flank pain(kidneys), welts and severe rash all over body. Got Benedryl injection and IV liquid flush to help kidneys void the iodine/barium but was told symptoms can last for days or weeks. I am drinking 3 to 4 glasses of water every 15 minutes and urinating normally with all this fluid coming out;-) No horse pees this much;-) That was prescribed the fluid dosage. My body temp is normal. BGs normal. Just this morning have terrible upper thigh pain and upper arm pain. No doc mentioned this is a symptom of barium allergic reaction. I do have gyn/onco new dr appt on Monday morning with or without UCLA images/medical file-- but the next 3 days will be insane not knowing... did I make a HUGE mistake to cancel surgery today???? Well ER dr would not allow it since the barium incident-- but he probably would have ok'd if he knew of the urgency of the masses in my pelvic region, eh? I do NOT feel fatigue or appetite suppressd (insulin is a great appetite stimulant anyway-- Type 1 insulin dependent for 40 years now)
|
Did you find this post helpful?