|
I had a pain . . . .
Last week I was on the phone with my gynecologist.
I was complaining of pain over both my ovaries, a feeling of fullness and unstoppable gas.
I was very nervous. I also knew I went through this every two years or so and it never
turned out to be anything. I was still nervous.
So every two years I ask my doctor for an ultrasound
and a pelvic exam and every two years ( I see him every year for a check up anyways) he
tells me my ovaries and pelvic area look fine.Why do I go through
all this worry and angst?
Ovarian
cancer, that's why.
It is a relatively rare form of cancer yet it terrifies women. It frightens us because we
know all too well that by the time we feel "something" its probably too late to
treat it.
 My recent doctor's visit made me
think about women who do not know when they should call their doctor. It also made me
wonder if women knew they have the option of an ultrasound to rule out any foul play.
I have
listed the most common risk factors and signs of ovarian cancer. Not all women will have
all or any of these symptoms. This is why it's important to see your doctor every year for
a pelvic and rectal exam. If you are not feeling well and suspect something is wrong call
your doctor. Transvaginal ultrasound
exams are painless and quick.
Ovarian cancer is known as "The disease that Whispers" because symptoms can be
vague and assigned to some other illness.
What
are the Risks of Ovarian cancer?
One or more of the following characteristics
puts you at above average risk:
- Family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colon
cancer.
- Personal history of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, colon
cancer.
- No pregnancies or no birth control use and infertility
(uninterrupted ovulation).
- Exposure to talc or asbestos (industrial contamination,
frequently used douches, condoms, dusting powder containing talc, used in the genital
area.
- Increasing age.
- Breast-Ovarian Cancer Syndrome(s)
- Ashkenazi Jewish population.
- Fertility drugs taken for more than three cycles has been
linked to an increased risk.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:
Unfortunately there are no obvious symptoms until the
disease has advanced.
Symptoms may
include:
- Vague but persistent gastrointestinal complaints such as
gas, nausea, indigestion.
- Frequency and/or urgency of urination.
- Any unexplained change in bowel habits.
- Abnormal postmenopausal bleeding.
- Weight gain or loss.
- Abdominal swelling and/or pain; bloating and/or a feeling of
fullness.
- Pain during intercourse.
Considerations:
- If symptoms persist longer than 4-6 weeks, insist on
a thorough rectovaginal examination.
A Rectovaginal pelvic examination is when the doctor simultaneously inserts one
finger in the rectum and one in the vagina.
- Every woman should undergo a regular rectal and vaginal
pelvic examination.
- If an irregularity of the ovary is found, alternatives to
evaluation include
Ovarian Cancer Facts
Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
  Ovarian cancer is our most
deadliest gynecologic cancer. It ranks number 4 in the cause of cancer deaths in women.
Most of us have a less that 2% lifetime chance of developing ovarian cancer. But, every
year over 25,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. But once diagnosed with ovarian
cancer 75% of women will die within 5 years of their diagnosis. Early detection is the
key. How can you tell if you have it? |
PetCorner promotions
 
The Wisdom of
Menopause
For Women Only
: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life
 FREE Weight loss support group
FREE Natural meno ideas
FREE Medication guide
 Health Byte
News from the Front
TVU's
best
to find ovarian cancer
TVU's cited as the best way to detect ovarian
cancer in Reuters news article. Recent research presented this week at a San Diego meeting
of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists suggesting that ultrasound may be that test.
Find out more.
Save a Life - Yours!
The role of fertility drugs & ovarian cancer.
by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
Liz Tilberis, in her book No Time To Die, chronicles her 6 year battle
with ovarian cancer.  As
the editor of the fashion magazine Harper's Bazaar her book received much recognition; as
one of the few books about ovarian cancer it stands out. She illustrates the possible
connection between fertility drugs the increased chance of ovarian cancer. Her life could
have possibly been saved with the early use of a screening test that is ALREADY available
in most doctors offices but that most doctors will not tell you about and most insurance
companies will not pay for.
Find out more and save a life - YOURS!
Dr
Goldstein says....
 Currently
virtually all standard pelvic ultrasound is being done with the transvaginal probe.
We may do a quick scout look with the abdominal transducer just to get a feel for
any large masses but the beauty of the vaginal probe is that the high frequency and the
close proximity of the structures give us a degree of image magnification that is almost
like doing an ultrasound through a low power microscope.
Find out more |
