Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer – The 10 Early Warning Signs Women Should Know
Most women diagnosed with existing medical condition would be alarmed to know that they are having ovarian cancer. This instance may happen because indications are imprecise and that's why it has been called "The Silent Killer". Many are experiencing bowel syndrome, stress and depression but misdiagnosed. Early warning signs are worsen with digestive disorders and occur after eating certain meals. Do not let it happen. There is something you can do about to have a very good prognosis in the earliest stage.
Here are some clinical researches about the most common symptoms:
Feeling of fullness and pressure on abdomen Urinary urgency or frequent urination Pelvic pain or discomfort digestive disorders and changes in bowel movement unexplained loss of appetite and nausea Fatigue or feeling tired most of the time Shortness of breath affecting breathing passage. Lower backache Changes in menstrual flow and abnormal vaginal bleeding Unusual pain during sexual intercourse
These early warning signs could be symptoms of other health concerns which are not very serious. However, it is important to see a doctor if there is any suspicions like the pressure in abdomen for more than three weeks already. Early detection is better opportunity to treat any gynecologic cancers. Routine annual check-ups should be taken in consideration. Following tests will be performed such as bimanual rectovaginal exam ( inserting one finger into vagina to feel any lumps), transvaginal ultrasound (using sound waves that reflects image of the body) and CA-125 test. CA-125 is a protein found in the body and often produced levels of tumour cells.
The saddest part is that even there are comprehensive resources available nowadays, the fact remains that majority of women are diagnosed very late leading to higher percentage of death rates. Recent studies show that half percentage of women took three months of enduring the pain before they have consulted to doctors and 11% took longer than one year. Denial swallowed people to accept the fact that a simple indication of their health condition can lead to a deadly signs of cancer.
Health Daily News reported that relying on these signs alone is not reliable at discovering the disease earlier. According to Mary Rossing, one of the members of the Epidemiology program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the indications are limited. In a study of 100 women whose feeling the same symptoms, just one has initial stage of ovarian cancer. On the other hand, American Cancer Society said that nine out of ten women who have been detected in early stage live after the first 5 years of the diagnosis and only 20% of the general populations are discovered at early part.
It is an ongoing challenge for researches to detect and specify exactly the causes of this ailment. To address the issue, in 2007, American Cancer Society, the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists released a statement that doctors should pay more attention on simple ovarian cancer signs and conduct more accurate screening techniques.
Ovarian Cysts – Natural Relief Secrets
What Are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs that grow in the ovary during the menstrual cycle. The most common type of cyst that can form is known as a functional cyst and is almost always seen forming during the regular menstrual cycle. Functional cysts are also known as the follicles where the egg (ovum) grows and matures during the menstrual cycle. When the egg is mature, the sac bursts open and releases the egg into the surrounding space so it can through the fallopian tube (oviduct) for fertilisation. The sac then regresses due to the action of continued hormone exposure and becomes an endocrine structure known as the corpus luteum (endocrine - secretes hormones to the surrounding tissue and to areas inside the body). Once the corpus luteum forms, it will take approximately 3 months to decrease in size and disappear.
Other Types Of Cysts.
Endometriomas - Develop in women that have Endometriosis. This is when tissue from the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. The tissue may attach to the ovary causing severe discomfort during sexual intercourse or during menstruation.
Cystadenomas - Develop from cells on the outer surface of the ovary. Often filled with a watery fluid or sticky gel. Causes pain as it grows larger.
Polycystic ovaries - Where the eggs develop in the follicles but the follicles do not rupture to release the egg. The menstrual cycle repeats and the egg continues to grow in the follicle, developing into a cyst.
What Are The General Symptoms To Look Out For?
On most occasions, women may have a cyst without any symptoms at all, symptoms depend on severity. The most common symptoms that occur are: pain in the abdomen, ache in lower back and thighs, problems passing urine, pain during sexual intercourse, weight gain, abnormal menstrual bleeding and pain, nausea and vomiting, and tender breasts.
If you experience the following symptoms, you will need to get medical help immediately!
- Pain with fever and vomiting
- Sudden and severe abdominal pain
- Faintness, dizziness and weakness
- Rapid breathing
How To Detect An Ovarian Cyst?
Most ovarian cysts have no symptoms and are usually found during routine pelvic examinations. This is detected by your doctor due to a swelling on your ovary. If the doctor believes you do have a cyst they will generally perform an ultrasound to determine the size and exact location of the cyst. The ultrasound can also reveal whether the cyst is filled with fluid, is solid or a mix between solid and fluid. A pregnancy test is also perform, this is used to determine specific hormone levels.
Ovarian cysts can be cancerous therefore a blood test would be performed to examine tumour markers in the blood serum. The tumor marker that is generally analysed is CA-125. CA-125 is present in humans generally, however it has been seen through scientific study that the concentration of CA-125 in the blood increases when a patient is suffering from some form of ovarian cancer or abnormal growth.
Treatment Of Cysts (Unnatural).
There are not many options available for women when it comes to the treatment of their ovarian cysts. Doctors recommend monitoring the growth of the cyst over a period of 1-3 months to determine whether is poses a threat to the patient and to determine whether the cyst will disappear without intervention. If this does not work there are a limited number of treatments that are available, however none of them are natural:
1. Surgery
- If the cyst does not decrease in size over a few menstrual periods, and the growth seems abnormal under ultrasound, the doctor may suggest removing the cyst using surgery as it may cause severe pain, discomfort and may cause birthing/fertility problems. There are 2 forms of surgery available:
- Laparoscopy
Used for small cysts, performed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made just above or just below the navel. Then a small instrument is inserted into the incision, this instrument acts as a small camera and removal tool. If the cyst seems small and benign, it can be removed.
- Laparotomy
Used for large suspicious looking cysts. This procedure involves making a larger incision in the stomach area to remove the cyst. During the procedure the cyst should be tested to see if it is cancerous to determine to threat it poses.
Birth control pills
If you suffer from frequent cysts, the doctor may prescribe you with birth control pills to control your hormones and stop your menstrual cycle. This would then decrease the frequency of cysts developing.
Natural Remedies To Prevent Cysts.
Typically doctors inform you that it is difficult to prevent cysts and that there are not many drugs available to prevent cysts developing. However, in recent years, it has been seen that alterations to lifestyle can diet can cause a difference in the development of cysts. This has been thought to be due to natural extracts in dietary supplements that alter the normal regulating hormones and therefore alter the development of cysts.
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