Ovarian Cancer

Question: How early should ovarian cancer be detected? If ovarian cancer is detected early, there is a greater chance of treating it and better prognosis. How soon after the cancer first begins does it have to be detected? Are we talking days, weeks, months?

Answer: I always thought is was undetectable. FYI, It is unknown what percentage of early-stage ovarian cancer produces symptoms. The vast majority of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer do experience symptoms. However, since most of these women are diagnosed in more advanced stages, it's impossible to tell how many of them had symptoms before the cancer started to spread. It IS known that 90% of women who are diagnosed in Stage I come to their doctors with symptoms before diagnosis, and also that far too many cases of ovarian cancer take months to diagnose - a recent study showed that almost half took more than three months, and 11% took longer than a year. So it seems logical to assume that some substantial percentage of women do have early symptoms. - The common symptoms are non-specific - usually caused by other things. The list below contains a number of possible symptoms of ovarian cancer. But these symptoms can also result from a wide variety of non-cancerous conditions. If a woman has trouble zipping up her jeans, she's more likely to blame middle-aged spread than ovarian cancer. Thankfully, a gas pain isn't ordinarily a dire signal. Still, if a woman suddenly starts experiencing any of the symptoms below, and they persist for more than a 2-3 weeks, she should get those symptoms checked out. - There is no one "marker symptom". Although abdominal swelling/bloating is the most often-mentioned first symptom, some studies show that even this is true only for a minority of ovarian cancer cases. Because each symptom will affect only some women, it is vital that women educate themselves about the whole constellation of symptoms associated with ovarian cancer. - Denial. Of course, no one wants to think about cancer. But think about this: The lifetime risk of women worldwide for ovarian cancer is 1 in 70. In the U.S. it is 1 in 55. Think about your high school graduating class. Your church. Your workplace. The numbers of women you know. How many of them are likely to get ovarian cancer? OVARIAN CANCER IS NOT RARE. Women MUST begin to educate themselves about this insidious disease. WARNING SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER Contact your MD if you develop one or more of these symptoms and they persist for 2-3 weeks: -Abdominal Swelling/Bloating/Clothes Too Tight -Abdominal/Pelvic Pain or Pressure or Feeling "Full" -Gastrointestinal Symptoms (such as gas, indigestion, nausea, or changes in bowel movements) -Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge -Urinary Problems - Urgency, Burning, or Spasms -Fatigue and/or Fever -Pain During Intercourse -Back Pain -Difficulty Breathing

Question: How do i set up a fundraiser for ovarian cancer? I am 19 and my grandma has ovarian cancer. I want to do a car show in a parking lot or park or somewhere like that. I want to have a donation bucket to raise money and give it to an organization that supports ovarian cancer. How should i go about starting this? Where do i start? And any helpful tips?

Answer: You should contact an organization that is already founded and active. Fundraisers and drives are always in the making and in action. You can generate more money and you can get all of the tools you need from the your community organizers or organization headquarters. There's no reason for you to 'pioneer' your own fundraiser when there are already many out there. IF you absolutely are stubborn and you want to feel the rewards from just getting out and doing something or putting a donation jar at a store or event then you simply go to the place that you want to place it at and tell them your story. One of the first questions you will confront is: Who are you affilliated with? If you haven't researched or contacted organizations then you can't simply say you are affilliated with them. Well, you can but if they aren't aware of this you can be arrested for fraud. AND, some places won't accept non verifiable legitimacy (your word) as a precursor to accepting donations. Research or google ovarian cancer. If you want to help your grandmother with money for her medical bills then the best thing for you to do is to connect her with an existing donor base. There are millions of people who need help and help is out there; you just have to find it.

Question: What happens in the 4th stage of ovarian cancer How long is life expectancy in this final stage? My best friend is in stage 4 of ovarian cancer. She has hospice at her house. It seems to me, that she only has a few weeks left to live. Can she continue to live for 3 or 4 more months? Or does it depend of the individual person? Her cancer has spread to many of her organs.

Answer: This link provides the information and statistics. It's very much of a downer. I am sorry you have this misfortune.

Question: What is the life expectancy of a person that has ovarian cancer? A friend of mine has ovarian cancer and, is in remission. She's had some chemo-therapy but has stopped, she's also refused to take the meds to keep it at bay. And because the chemo, she's now anemic. Can anybody tell me what her life expectancy is? she doesn't want me to be too concerned about it either----how should I cope with her indifferent attitude about her condition, especially since I love & care about her so much?

Answer: it depends on the treatment taken and the severity of it i had it but caught it in time it is hard to say you will have to consult a doctor and see what level you are at

Question: What is the difference in ovarian cancer and PCOS? I have been diagnosed with PCOS, but I still don't know all of the details, but when I was looking on google for some information I noticed that the ribbons for pcos awareness are the same color as the ones for ovarian cancer. Are the two linked? Does PCOS lead to ovarian cancer?

Answer: They aren't sure at this time. PCOS does cause the cysts on your ovaries but they haven't had any studies show that it is linked with ovarian cancer. Sometimes they just run out of colors so they will use the same color for more than 1 illness. I went to a website that had 5 things listed for some of the colors and none of them were linked. I will say the OBGYN that diagnosed me with PCOS was honest with me and told me that they are studying the link with Ovarian, Uterine and Breast Cancers because of the hormone risks and the cysts on the ovaries and the irregular periods but that no link has been found yet. They have found that having the Cysts surgically removed which they use to do often, increases the risks of ovarian cancer. Another thing PCOS puts you at higher risk for is heart problems and diabetes according to studies done.

Question: What is the prognosis w/ recurrent ovarian cancer and ascites? My grandmother, who is 83 years old, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer over two years ago. She has been stage 4 once, back to stage 2, and now back to stage 4. She has extreme abdominal swelling and pain (ascites). She had 6 quarts of fluid taken off her stomach 3 weeks ago, and 8 more quarts taken off two days ago. Her stomach has already begun swelling again. She can not take certain types of chemo because her esosphagus has been damaged. She was supposed to get chemo intraveneously yesterday, but the doctor would not allow it because she did not look well enough. My grandparents are old school and do not question the doctor on anything, so we have no idea how long she may have to live. Does anybody have any experience with a prognosis, life expectancy, quality of life? She is a Christian, she is ready to go to the Lord, but she continues to have procedures (parencentesis) done because her husband is not ready to let her go.

Answer: A paracentesis will not make your granmother live longer, it will just make her more comfortable. She can breathe easier and sleep better if the fluid is removed. Problems is it comes back as quickly as it is removed and then creates electrolyte imbalances and literally dehydrates her. Sounds ridiculous, but its true. Most doctors leave the huge amount of fluid there and remove it only to make her comfortable. Her husband is going to need a lot of support from your family since her days are numbered. Peace and Gods love to your grandma, grandpa and family. RN

Question: What are the early symptoms of ovarian cancer? I also heard that abnormal bleeding is an important symptom. Is it possible to have ovarian cancer symptoms without the abnormal bleeding?

Answer: None. Ovarian cancer is well known for having no symptoms at all until its advanced.

Question: Is it possible for someone who is 27 to have ovarian cancer? Is it possible for someone who is 27 to have ovarian cancer? I look at all the info on ovarian cancer and it constantly talks about going through menopause, being over 40, and things of that nature but nothing that says you can be as young as 27 and have it. Also have not had any kids and all the symptoms and signs are there. Would just like to know if it is possible.

Answer: Hey, I had ovarian cancer at the age of 25. When it was discovered it was in stage 2 level A. So, I tell everyone to go and get checked out.

Question: I have a history of ovarian cancer in my family, is it alright for me to get Gardasil vaccinations? My mother died of ovarian cancer when she was 52, I feel like I would be at high risk to get cancer later on in life. Is there any possibility that Gardasil is counter indicative to ovarian cancer? Thanks.

Answer: cervical, not ovarian. but i'd get it any way...why not?

Question: Whats the difference between an ovarian cyst and ovarian cancer? My sister has an 'ovarian cyst' 15 cm i n width..... The average cyst rarely exceeds 5 cm...... can a cyst turn into cancer?

Answer: Ovarian cyst is: An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac in the ovary. Many cysts are completely normal. These are called functional cysts. They occur as a result of ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). Functional cysts normally shrink over time, usually in about 1 to 3 months. If you have a functional cyst, your doctor may want to check you again in 1 to 3 months to make sure the cyst has gotten smaller. In certain cases, your doctor may want you to take birth control pills so you won't ovulate. If you don't ovulate, you won't form cysts. If you are menopausal and are not having periods, you shouldn't form functional cysts. If you do have a cyst, your doctor will probably want you to have a sonogram so he or she can look at the cyst. What your doctor decides to do after that depends on your age, the way the cyst looks on the sonogram and if you're having symptoms such as pain, bloating, feeling full after eating just a little, and constipation. Ovarian Cancer: Recognizing ovarian cancer symptoms Ovarian cancer often shows no obvious signs or symptoms until late in its development. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include: General abdominal discomfort and/or pain (gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating, cramps) Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or frequent urination Loss of appetite Feeling of fullness even after a light meal Weight gain or loss with no known reason Abnormal bleeding from the vagina These symptoms may be caused by ovarian cancer or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to check with a doctor about any of these symptoms. To help find the cause of symptoms, a doctor evaluates a woman's medical history. The doctor also performs a physical exam and orders diagnostic tests. Some exams and tests that may be useful are described below: Pelvic exam includes feeling the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum to find any abnormality in their shape or size. (A Pap test, a good test for cancer of the cervix, is often done along with the pelvic exam, but it is not a reliable way to find or diagnose ovarian cancer.) Ultrasound refers to the use of high-frequency sound waves. These waves, which cannot be heard by humans, are aimed at the ovaries. The pattern of the echoes they produce creates a picture called a sonogram. CA-125 assay is a blood test used to measure the level of CA-125, a tumor marker that is often found in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood of women with ovarian cancer. Lower GI series, or barium enema, is a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum. The pictures are taken after the patient is given an enema with a white, chalky solution containing barium. The barium outlines the colon and rectum on the x-ray, making tumors or other abnormal areas easier to see. CT (or CAT) scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Biopsy is the removal of tissue for examination under a microscope. A pathologist studies the tissue to make a diagnosis. To obtain the tissue, the surgeon performs a laparotomy (an operation to open the abdomen). If cancer is suspected, the surgeon performs an oophorectomy (removal of the entire ovary). This is important because, if cancer is present, removing just a sample of tissue by cutting through the outer layer of the ovary could allow cancer cells to escape and cause the disease to spread. If the diagnosis is ovarian cancer, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of disease. Staging is a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. Staging may involve surgery, x-rays and other imaging procedures, and lab tests. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Question: Ovarian Cancer? I have recently had surgery for ovarian cancer and have just started Chemotherapy. Has anyone else been through this? Got any tips for lifting myself out of this depression?

Answer: i am an oncology nurse and i see women like u all the time. Its not an uncommon disease. A lot of the women i treat end up beng friends with each other. We run support groups. try talking to your nurses

Question: What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer vs. ovarian cysts? I had an ovarian cyst about two years ago. My sister has PCOS and there's a good chance that I have it as well. I'm more concerned that I have a possible tumor though. I looked up the symptoms for ovarian cancer and I have almost all of them except for maybe one or two. I'm really scared. I'm only 17 and I have no idea how to approach my parents about it. If I do have something wrong with me though, I don't want to wait until it's too late to try and get help. I also have symptoms that could possibly just be another cyst, although I did just get my period so I don't think that it could be a cyst. It could even be uterine prolapse, but those symptoms aren't the same as the gassy, abdominal pain and back pain I usually have particulary the week before and the week after my period. I also have a lot of underarm perspiration. Could this be another sign? Mostly I'm just scared that it might be to late and though I'm a strong Christian and I understand that there is a reason for everything.

Answer: It is usually not best to diagnose yourself without about 10 years of medical education and specialization - and even then it isn't a good idea. Make an appointment with your ob/gyn or family practitioner if you are worried about it.

Question: When is your oncologist able to determine the stage of your ovarian cancer? During the last 6 months I have had several sessions of chemotherapy to treat ovarian cancer. Three weeks ago, I had surgery: removal of ovaries and omentum. My post operative appt. is in a couple of weeks. What questions should I ask my doctor regarding "stage" of cancer? What exactly does "stage" mean and what are its implications? Thanks for any help you can give me.

Answer: Your doctors have known your stage for months if they started out with multiple cycles of combination chemotherapy before surgery. They probably knew the stage after the initial evaluation six months ago from CT scans through the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. ASK 1. What was the stage of my ovarian cancer when treatments began? 2. What were the findings of the pathologist at the recent surgery? Was there residual malignancy in the specimens removed - the ovaries, the omentum? Could a copy of the pathology report be provided? 3. What did the surgeon see in the abdomen at the time of surgery? Could a copy of the operative report be provided for the patient and family? 4. Are there any blood test tumor markers that can be followed in my case such as the CA125? Has this been elevated? What is it now? I realize cancer medicine is practiced differently in various places. I tried to supply all of this information to my patients as they were going through treatments. Maybe it has been provided, and you have been in too much shock to understand it. In any case, these are the questions I would want answered if you were my family member. Best of luck to you.

Question: What is the survival rate for someone with stage 4 ovarian cancer which has spread to the brain, she is 84? my gran has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which has spread to liver, lung and brain, she is not been given any treatment and is being kept comfortable. Could anyone advise on what we can expect, i really don't want her to suffer.

Answer: I am so sorry. It is so difficult to watch and wait while someone you love goes through this. Each case is different, so no one can say for sure "how long". My sister made it 6 weeks after the cancer was found to have spread to her brain. She slept a lot and didn't eat much. At first, when she was awake she was quite alert, but toward the end, she was out of it most of the time. The medication that my sister was given for pain must have been quite effective, because she didn't complain of discomfort nor were there any indications that she was in any distress. She finally simply went to sleep and didn't wake up. God bless you and your family...

Question: How do I tell my children i have stage 4 ovarian cancer? I have a daughter, 12 and son 11. I have just found out i have stage 4 ovarian cancer and may have 3-5 years left. i am the working mom, and their dad is the stay at home dad (our agreement since adopting them when they were babies). how do i tell them i have cancer, will have surgery and chemo and how do i keep them from researching ovarian c on the internet? how much do i tell them?

Answer: Hi Lisa, I have some advices for you although they are a bit different from what you asked for. First, you don't have to accept that this cancer will kill you in 3 to 5 years. If that is really what you believe that is probably what will happen. I don't know if you believe in God, but if so, have faith the he can heal you. If you don't believe in God, then have faith that you can heal yourself! If you don't think that this is possible then I can give you a little kick start. Just take the time to look at this website here : http://tinyurl.com/6pt26p If you want to know more about achieving total success in every area of your life, I invite you and everyone here to also take a look at my blog : http://SelfPerfecting.BlogSpot.com Wishing you success, health and happiness. You truly deserve it. Patrick

Question: What are my chances of getting Ovarian Cancer if my Grandmother had it & passed away from it? My grandmother passed away from Ovarian Cancer in 2002. I have already had one pap smear that was negative, & had ovarian cysts every month for the past 1 1/2 years.

Answer: A pap smear does nothing to detect ovarian cancer -- it is for detection of cervical cancer. I know that there is a test that is for ovarian cancer. I can't remember now if it looks at DNA markers or can detect early ovarian cancer -- I do remember that it is expensive and has a high false positive rate; however for someone with a family hx of ovarian cancer, it might be worthwhile. I would talk to your doctor about what options you have.