Ovarian Cancer: Bloating and Other Symptoms, Treatment and Life Expectancy
Introduction
Ovarian cancer is a serious health concern for women. According to ovarian cancer statistics from the National Cancer Institute, 21,550 women were diagnosed and 14,600 women died from this type of cancer in the United States in 2009. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) adds that ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer diagnosed in women. Diagnosing ovarian cancer early increases the patient’s chance for survival.
The American Cancer Society states that 20 percent of ovarian cases are discovered early. An early diagnosis is important for ovarian cancer life expectancy. The NIH states that 76 percent of women live longer than a year after diagnosis, and 45 percent survive past five years.
Ovarian Cancer and Bloating
An early sign of ovarian cancer, bloating is also one of the most common symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. A patient might experience pressure in her abdomen, and swelling or fullness. The American Cancer Society states that the bloating is caused by either a tumor or a build-up of fluid in the abdomen. The bloating can make it difficult for clothing to fit properly around the waist. Women may notice that it is harder to fit into clothing, even if they are dieting or exercising. Patients may have stomach pain, problems eating or frequent urination along with the bloating. They may also have lower abdominal discomfort. Because this bloating may be mistaken for another problems, the ovarian cancer may go undiagnosed. However, this bloating occurs daily, and continues for a couple of weeks.
Other Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
The NIH notes that many of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and may be mistaken for another disorder. For example, besides the bloating, patients may have indigestion, nausea, constipation and increased gas. Reproductive functions are also affected by ovarian cancer, resulting in changes in menstruation and pain during intercourse (dyspareunia). Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include back pain, excessive hair growth and fatigue.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Since the bloating is from the ovarian cancer, it is treated along with the cancer. For example, if the bloating is the result of a tumor, chemotherapy will destroy any cancerous tissue. The Mayo Clinic states that a combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel are used. Surgery is another option, which can involve the removal of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. The surgery also involves removing the fluid, which the doctor will test for the presence of cancerous cells, which indicate the stage of the disease. For any other methods to relieve the bloating, patients should talk to their doctors first to prevent any problems.
References
American Cancer Society: How is Ovarian Cancer Found? (https://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_3X_How_is_ovarian_cancer_found_33.asp)
Mayo Clinic: Ovarian Cancer – Symptoms (https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cancer/ds00293/dsection=symptoms)
Mayo Clinic: Ovarian Cancer – Treatments and Drugs (https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cancer/DS00293/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs)
National Cancer Institute: Ovarian Cancer Home Page (https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/ovarian)
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Ovarian Cancer (https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000889.htm)