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Sandy
New User
Joined: 19 Jun 2005
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 8:32 am Post subject: Testing for ovarian cancer |
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Does a normal pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound definitively rule out ovarian cancer? Report indicated "Normal appearing right and left ovaries - right ovary 1.8 x 1.2 x 2.0 cm and left 2.2 x 2.1 x 1.5 cm - right ovarian follicle measuring 1.3 cm noted - no adnexal mass or true cysts present - no free fluid identified." I have had a number of (as yet) unexplained symptoms evolving over past 2 months: intermittent but persistent abdominal pain, cramping and gas (worse during the night, waking me up); change in bowels; loss of appetite with weight loss; low-grade fever. Pain is usually on right side, varying in location from ribcage area to below waist. I also had abdominal ultrasound, which was normal, and colonoscopy, which was normal. GI doctor has ordered gastric emptying study to check for gastroparesis. He is leaning towards diagnosis of IBS. I also have had a few episodes of spotting between periods, after intercourse and exercise - gynecologist did endometrial biopsy which was benign - she felt these symptoms were due to perimenopausal hormone imbalance and prescribed Provera due to proliferative endometrium.
Should I request a CA-125 blood test? |
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gdpawel
Senior User
Joined: 15 Jan 2005
Posts: 123
Location: Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 2:39 pm Post subject: Re: Testing for Ovarian Cancer |
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A laparotomy is a surgical procedure which involves opening the abdominal cavity for examination. This is supposed to be the most certain way of diagnosing ovarian cancer and assessing the extent of cancer spread (metastasis). However, negative second-look patients have a 50% chance of disease recurrence anyway.
The CA 125 tumor marker is a blood test done to assess the amount of an antibody that recognizes an antigen in ovarian tumor cells. The rate of "false positives" makes it inadequate for use "by itself" for screening of high-risk patients. It should be supplemented with transvaginal ultrasonography and a rectovaginal pelvic exam all done at the "same" time. |
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Midnight_Butterfly
Regular
Joined: 24 Sep 2005
Posts: 36
Location: New Zealand
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| Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2005 4:55 pm Post subject: Hi Sandy |
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I've just had a laparotomy (last monday) because a massive cyst like form was found during ultrasound about four weeks ago. At the time they thought I must be 20 weeks pregnant.
And although they found a mass through ultrasound, they couldn't determine the cancer until they took it out, examined it and performed a biopsy. The cancer marker that Gdpawel mentioned, did not show up in blood tests.
From all the reading I've done over the past few days, what I can say to you is that often ovarian cancer goes undetected and I'm guessing because ultrasound is quite shady and dark, it would be easy to miss something rather small.
If it helps at all Sandy, since I've just had my right ovary removed, I can at least offer you my experience:
I went to the doctor after swelling (the tumour I had was huge!) and severe bloating of my stomach and abdomen. It took three weeks of symptoms before I finally went.
I'd noticed changes over the past year in relation to my period. I suddenly experienced bad PMS (I never really got grumpy in the past with the hormonal changes), a couple of periods came early (I'm talking one or two weeks apart).
I had massive weight gain 10kg in a month. I'm not familiar with weight gain like that. (The cyst ended up being 2.38 kg). I knew I'd gained a little weight, but that much simply wasn't possible.
I was running to the toilet a lot. More and more pressure was being pushed on my bladder.
Bowel movements changed. I was more regular stools changed regularly (from the runs to pure solids).
Although my symptoms were consistant with ovarian cancer, I didn't believe I could have it. I'm only 27 years old and this is generally a more mature person's disease. However, it's not impossible, and it does sometimes happen.
But symptoms were also consistant with irritable bowel syndrome and I started treating myself for that before giving in (after feeling a pain around my belly button) and seeking medical advice.
If you're still concerned about your symptoms and you're not satisfied with results: seek a second opinion. It's your body and your life. Best of luck! |
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Midnight_Butterfly
Regular
Joined: 24 Sep 2005
Posts: 36
Location: New Zealand
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| Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2005 5:02 pm Post subject: Re: Testing for ovarian cancer |
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Candida (yeast infections) can also produce similar symptoms of bloating etc. Over the counter pharmacy medicines like Diflucan One can be taken orally and it clears it up in no time. No messy creams etc.
Has kidney or urine infections been ruled out? |
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