Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

A cancer occurs when some of the cells in the body tissue started multiplying abnormally. These cells destroy all the normal cells which come in their contact, and start expanding exponentially. That is the reason why it is a given that every single organ in the body is vulnerable to such abnormal growths of cancerous cells. These cells can also start growing abnormally in the ovary, leading to ovarian cancer.

So it is absolutely necessary that you know about the different symptoms, which may portend the presence of ovarian cancer cells. Some of these potential early ovarian cancer signscan also be symptomatic of some other problem like an ovarian cyst or some other infection in the stomach and pelvic area. That is why you need to make sure that you do not disregard any of the symptoms, because they can be symptomatic of some potentially dangerous disease.

Have you been feeling lethargic, while your stomach feels bloated or distended? Have you noticed some sort of abnormal bleeding, especially when you are postmenopausal? Do you feel pain during intercourse? Do you feel nausea? Is there a heavy sort of feeling in the pelvic region and have you suddenly gained or lost a lot of weight in the past couple of weeks? These are some of the symptoms which need to be checked out by the doctor so that he can diagnose whether you are suffering from ovarian cancer. He is going to do a pelvic examination or might ask for an ovarian biopsy. This would mean that a number of cells from the supposedly cancerous site are going to be taken and then sent for a histopathological test. This is going to confirm or deny the presence of cancerous tissue.

That is the reason why it is extremely essential that you go to a doctor and tell him all about the suspicions of ovarian cancer in the form of these aforesaid silent symptoms. Not only is he going to give you a thorough physical checkup, but also he is going to recommend the best treatment for ovarian cancer. Remember ovarian cancer can be cured in the first stages. Like any other cancer, it responds positively to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is only when it reaches the state of metastasis or spreading to other parts of the body, that the doctors are going to recommend debulking surgery or hysterectomy. A hysterectomy means that the uterus is removed. In extreme cases, you may find other portions of your productive organs like the fallopian tubes and ovaries being removed through surgery, but that is only when doctors decide that the surgery is/was necessary to prevent the cancer from spreading to other portions of the body.

One of the reasons why more and more women are getting knowledge about ovarian cancer is because they have finally understood that the Silent Killer is more prevalent than was thought of before. In fact, recent statistics show that one out of every 55 women in the US is suffering from ovarian cancer. 1/70 women all over the world have also been diagnosed with suffering from this cancer in its initial or final stages.   The main problem is that being known as the silent killer is the reason why so many women do not know that they are suffering from ovarian cancer, they are not able to identify the Ovarian Cancer Symptoms that are detected in the very early stages.

Here are some of the symptoms, which may manifest themselves all alone or in conjunction with other symptoms. One need not reiterate the fact that it is absolutely necessary that you need to consult a doctor if any of these early potential ovarian cancer symptoms persist for more than a week. Ovarian cancer like any other cancer can be cured in the initial stages. It is only in the final stages, when it has reached the metastasis stage of spreading to other parts of the body, that the chances of survival are reduced proportionately. That is the reason why one needs to be on the lookout for these particular symptoms.

• Do you feel lethargic and a feeling of occasional nausea?
• Do you find a feeling of heaviness in the solar plexus, abdomen, and in the pelvic area?
• Have you noticed some irregular bleeding, apart from normal menstrual bleeding?
• Is the menstrual bleeding abnormally heavy and has been going on for too long a period?
• Have you suddenly found yourself losing weight or gaining weight drastically during the past couple of weeks?
• Have you begun feeling pain during intercourse?

These are just some of the symptoms of prospective ovarian cancer, and it is absolutely necessary that you go to a doctor and tell her about the symptoms. She is going to take an ovarian biopsy, and/or is going to do a pelvic examination. It is only then that she can diagnose the presence of the disease, the extent of its spread, and then prescribe adequate medication to stem the future expansion of the cancerous cells.

Surgery in the shape of hysterectomy or the removal of the uterus is going to be done only when it is necessary and to prevent further metastasis. Otherwise, doctors go in for a debulking surgery. This means that a large part of the tumor is removed during surgery. This is going to improve the chances of survival.

Portions of the tumor are going to be sent for a histopathological examination to confirm the presence of ovarian surgery. But one definitely does not want to allow the cancer to reach that stage, does one? That is the reason why it is extremely essential that you go and see a doctor as soon as possible, the moment you see any of these possible ovarian cancer symptomsgiven above manifesting themselves. Listen to your body “talk”, and follow the signs.

“Am I suffering from the silent killer?” This is a very scary question that all women need  to ask themselves at one point in their lives.  The reason why this is called the silent killer is because you do not get to know that the cancerous cells have multiplied abnormally in your ovaries to spread to the rest of the body. It is only in the later stages that you get to know that you have become a victim, frightening isn’t it. Nevertheless, you do not have to get dismayed; there are number of symptoms you can identify to help prevent it from advancing to the  later, more deadly stages. This cancer of the ovaries is curable, when it is caught in the 1^st stage. So, if you are one of the 55 women in the USA, showing these particular ovarian cancer symptoms, make an appointment with the doctor immediately.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

First of all you have to remember that these early symptoms are silent,  You must be aware of your body and these signs because they are not going to manifest themselves in any overt displays of pain. So it is extremely necessary that you keep “in touch” with what your body is telling you.

• Have you noticed a particular heaviness in the solar plexus and pelvic region?
• Have you found a bloody discharge and vaginal bleeding appearing at odd times, apart from the normal bleeding of your menstrual cycle?
• Do you feel nauseous or feel bloated?
• Are you suffering from a lack of appetite and a sense of lethargy?
• Have you gained or lost weight drastically?
• Does your back ache for absolutely no justifiable reason or cause?
• Has your abdomen swollen up, and is there a change in the bowel movements?
• Do you find that intercourse is painful?
• Are you finding difficulty in breathing?

These are some of the questions that you can ask yourself  when you are wondering if there have been any changes to your body that might indicate an early signs of ovarian cancer. It is extremely essential that you go and see a doctor as soon as one or more of these symptoms manifest themselves. In fact, ovarian cancer has a better chance (70 — 80% chance) of being cured by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, if it is caught early. The metastasis or spread of the disease can make the percentage chances of curing ovarian cancer to lower down to about 30%. So it is necessary that you know about the symptoms of possible ovarian cancer and get a doctor’s opinion immediately.

Here are some of the risk factors which you may want to look for, which makes you more vulnerable to ovarian cancer.

• Have you had a long history of ovarian cysts?
• Is there a history of ovarian cancer in the family?
• Are you postmenopausal and still getting ovarian cysts?

These are some of the risk factors, which are going to contribute to your chances of getting ovarian cancer. So it is absolutely necessary to listen to what your body is conveying to you, silently. Recognize the early ovarian cancer signs and symptoms and get a complete check and ovarian biopsy done. It is only then, you can be effectively treated by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, if necessary.

Detection of Common Cancers

There are a hundred individual classes of cancers, each with a separate set of indications and different means of diagnosis. Here is an outline of prevailing cancers, their symptoms, manifestations and what we could do to help in detecting their occurrence.

Ovarian Cancer Detection in Women

Ovarian cancer forms in the tissues of the female ovary. Most cancers of the ovaries are either epithelial carcinoma or germ cell tumors. Symptoms may include pressure in the abdominal area and lower back, abdominal bloating, indigestion, nausea, gas, constipation, diarrhea and tiredness. To determine the occurrence of ovarian cancer screening like pelvic exam, pap test, CA-125 blood test, ultrasound and biopsy are generally undertaken. Medications for ovarian cancer may be in the form of local radiation therapy, surgical excision, or chemotherapy.

Abnormal mutations in the breast cells of the lobules or stromal tissues are the main elements of breast cancer in women.  Breast cancer symptoms may entail mammary gland swelling, skin irritation, nipple pain, upper body pain, nipple discharge, a lump in the underarm area. Women are encouraged to perform monthly breast self examination to check for lumps or other aberrant growth in the underarm or breast area. Test like mammogram, biopsy, blood cell chemistry, blood cell marker test and MRI are some methods to ascertain the existence of breast cancer.

Testicular Cancer in Men

Gonadal tumors are generally discovered by the patients themselves. They may cause swelling of the scrotum, testicular hardening, and breast enlargement. Testicular Self-examination helps in checking for a lump in the testicle. This is done by rolling the fingers against the testicles after bath when the testicles are relaxed. You will be asked by your healthcare provider to undergo physical examination. Ultrasound and serum tumor marker test will also be undertaken to see the extent of the testicular cancer lump and to check for cancer markers. Three types of treatment methods age generally used. These are inguinal orchiectomy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Prostate Cancer in Men

Prostate cancer symptoms hardly show at early stages. They are commonly diagnosed through PSA blood test. Manifesting itself as a hard nodule on the prostate gland, it presses itself into the urethra causing difficulty in urinating. The tumor obstructs the bladder resulting to enlargement. Doctors normally perform a digital rectal exam by inserting a gloved lubricated finger into the rectum to check to lump buildup in the prostate gland. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy are some of the treatment options for cancer of the prostate gland.

Bone Cancer

Fractures, deep nagging bone pain, and bone swelling are some of the manifestation of bone cancer. Magnetic resonance tomography, radioisotope bone scanning, computer tomography and bone are common procedures in bone cancer diagnosis.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancers may be melanoma or non-melanoma. Patients may manifest conditions such as a small pale colored waxy lump, a red firm lump, a crusty sore spot that bleeds, sores that don’t heal, rough scaly skin patches, red or brown colored scaly areas, and other suspicious lumps or sores. Regular skin self –examination is recommended for everyone to perform to look for abnormal skin conditions. A yearly clinical skin examination helps in detecting the cancer. For non-melanoma cancers treatment may be in form of curettage and desiccation, surgical excision of skin cancer moles, radiation therapy, cryosurgery, Mohs micrographic surgery or medical therapy with the use of creams that attack cancer cells.

- Tom Cappetta