Cancer Symptoms Abdomen
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer is known to be a silent killer. It takes the lives of close to 15,000 women across the United States each year and is usually difficult to detect. It is the leading cause of death among gynaecological cancers and the fifth among cancers of all kind. Much of the problem in providing adequate and fast treatment comes from the fact that it displays no tell-tale ovarian cancer symptoms to go by. Often enough, screening for cancer can fail at the first attempt and require multiple tests to provide a true positive result. Other than that, the early stages are very similar to other gynaecological problems that women display and are usually treated for the same. It can also be wrongly diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and treated for that, further postponing correct therapy for cancer.
There are certain documented ovarian cancer symptoms, which when occurring together for long periods of time can be a cause for alarm. The loss of appetite, unexplained weight gain or loss, swelling in the abdomen and general pain in the stomach region are the first indicators of a disorder. After which, any kind of persistent bowel related problems, such as frequent urination, diarrhoea, excessive gas and constipation are further symptoms. Along with these, pain during sexual intercourse and irregular vaginal bleeding other than the time of menstruation is the extreme symptoms that definitely call for an immediate screening for ovarian cancer. Under such circumstances, going in for a simple pelvic examination is the first step one should take for confirming that the symptoms are indeed likely to be indicative of another disorder. After which, a CA 125 blood test and a Transvaginal Ultrasonography are required.
Further positive signs and ovarian cancer symptoms can be clarified with the help of these two diagnostic tools. They are quite helpful in diagnosing the disease. The CA 125 blood test measures blood levels over a period of days, keeping in mind the regular fluctuations of the levels and can be relied upon to give a true result after a given number of screenings. As the cancer advances in its stage, the results become far more accurate and can be received in one go, however this is detrimental to the health of the patient. One is suggested to use supplementary procedures and seek second opinions in case of persisting health problems. After the age of 40 years, it is advisable to keep such starting symptoms under very close scrutiny and consult a gynaecologist regularly.
Ovarian cancer symptoms are also at times confused for ovarian cysts, non-cancerous growths and vice versa. In these circumstances, all women must seek knowledge on ovarian cancer and apply it for better chances of catching the disease while it is still in its early stages of development. At this point, it can be removed without issue with surgery and further growth can be prevented. After it has reached the later stages of growth, remission becomes difficult to achieve and the life expectancy starts to plummet.
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Mom, 78, has advanced ovarian cancer and just wants to have pain relief. How can we prepare?
She doesn’t want to talk about it, but her family needs to know what she will be going through so we can be emotionally prepared. She seems to have little to no pain; has had a high colostomy to relieve strangulation of her intestine by the spreading tumor. Her main symptoms are a distended abdomen and she is very weak.
All the cancer sites online tell about treatments for fighting the disease, but none of them tell us about end of life issues when chemo and radiation are declined by the patient.
Her doctor or the hospital should have resources that include hospice care, hopefully. And it is helpful if you develop a good working relationship with her doctor, and speak with him/her about how you will actually manage her care and pain control as the disease progresses. If you can arrange for hospice care, the hospice will have people available to help you and your family, as well as your mother, prepare for the paticular challenges you will face. Since she has opted not to have chemo or radiation, future treatment will be strictly for symptom control and her comfort. In hospice, there are no treatments aimed to extend life, only to provide for comfort and dignity for the person. The staff includes nursing personnel with experience in supporting the patient and family, spiritual advisors, and counsellors who can work with you all as you go through the difficult process.
The final progress of the disease varies for many women. Usually there are respiratory problems, and her kidneys may fail. She will get progressively weaker, and it’s not unusual for them to stop eating, or not eat much at all beyond a few bites. She will tend to sleep more and more, and of course pain medications will tend to make her sleep more as well. She will likely reach an accomodation with her end before the rest of you are able, and I would not be surprised if she tries to help you all reach acceptance before the end comes. The patients usually do try to say their goodbyes and reassure those who will go on living.
I’m sorry this is what you must face in the near future. The dying itself is usually the easy part, it’s the surviving that proves the challenge. If you and your family, and your mother are religious people, it does help a great deal to have your spiritual advisor for support and assistance. If hospice care is not available, then the people at the hospital should have resources available to help you when the time comes. You can also look for grief counsellors, for the family at least. Cancer treatment centers also are good sources for aid and assistance, and have support groups and people that can answer many of your questions. I hope for you all, your mother and your family, that you find a sense of peace and help to cope with what is to come.
Ovarian Cancer