Ovarian cancer symptoms

[Cobblersandhogwash]

When they list the symptoms to watch out for, do they mean any one of the symptoms could mean ovarian cancer?

I have a constant pain in my lower right abdomen and I can feel something too. GP has booked a scan for me. Appointment not come through yet.

GP seemed alarmed.

I have no other symptoms of OC like bloating or bowel issues.

I've a blood test booked on Weds am. CA125.

I might spend some money on a private scan as I'm so worried.

Hi. I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through this worry but you’re not alone. I had a scan 1.5 weeks ago and they found a cyst on my
Left ovary. I wasn’t expecting anything as had some scans done in December as we’re trying for another baby. There was nothing there then. I was pretty gobsmacked when they told me I had a cyst. It’s 4 cms and has a 1cm daughter cyst inside. I had the CA 125 test done today and I cried for around 3 hours after. I have my 2nd appointment at the hospital on Friday morning. I’m so scared. I just can’t wait for this week to be over.

Let me know how you get on. Good luck xx

I'm so sorry for your stress.

So what symptoms do you have?

Why did you have the scan in the first place?

I had abnormal bleeding which has all stopped now, weirdly! I was just spotting around ovulation and then after having sex. Yes I do have some discomfort down there but nothing major. If I do have anything nasty I hope by catching it early it will make it easier to go. Good luck with your bloods tomorrow. I gave mine a good luck rub before the nurse sent them off 🤞🤞🤞

The majority of ovarian cysts are benign, so try not to panic in advance. They often occur in endometriosis, where you get little pockets of menstruating tissue (like the lining of the uterus) turning up in the wrong place, like in the ovaries or in the peritoneal cavity.
If the scan or blood results are at all concerning, you’ll be fast tracked for further investigation in any case.
You’ve done the sensible thing in getting it looked at, so try to not fret (easily said, I know!), and wait for your scan date.

Yes, in theory any of those symptoms could indicate ovarian cancer. It doesn't mean that it is the most likely explanation though.

Was your scan referral under the two week rule? If so you may find it is no quicker to go private, especially with the additional hassle of being in two systems.

Good luck with your blood test you have done exactly the right thing in getting it checked out and hopefully it will turn out to be something harmless.

No. You're right. I've just investigated private scan option. They need an imaging referral scan request from my GP before they can make an appointment.

I'm no help sorry but just wanted to wish you luck for you scan and blood test.
I have had a constant dragging pain in my lower right abdomen for some time, where I imagine my right ovary to be. Raised it several times to just be told it's IBS without any investigation at all. Last month I had some mid cycle spotting which is unusual for me so I've booked another appointment. My doctors are useless though and just don't want to know.

Keepingbees, keep at the GP. Keep at them.

It's so upsetting when thy dismiss your concerns.

@keepingbees go back to the doctor and make your concerns clear. Can you maybe see a different Dr? I saw a fertility consultant in December and mention the discomfort on my left ovary. She said that would just be my bowel so I’ve dismissed the miscomfort ever since. I started to have bleeding around ovulation and then just randomly after sex which is why I raised it to my Dr thinking we’d just let I resolve itself but she was adamant for scans and further tests. Don’t give up. You know your body more than anyone else. Good luck x

@Peanut1980 I've seen different doctors, they are just useless at my surgery. I had a long chat with a senior nurse too and she just said IBS can be one sided and just in one place.
Because I have IBS so they just put everything down to that (even though I've never been tested for anything more serious so I should never have had an IBS diagnosis anyway.)
Last month I had mid cycle and post sex spotting, but it was very light and hasn't happened again.
I also have days of extreme tiredness and have unexplained anaemia, which again hasn't been followed up or explored.

Sorry I didn't mean to highjack this post with my symptoms, I just wanted to wish others going through the same well and following with interest in case you manage to get some answers.

@keepingbees I’m so sorry to hear you’re not being listened to at the Drs. I hope you get the help you need with further investigations x

No hijack.

It's important to keep these things flagged.

Thank you both, please keep updated on here with how you get on

Please change GP or insist on an ovarian scan and possible colonoscopy. Without wishing to frighten you I had similar symptoms and the GP did nothing for 6 months, other than recommend Pilates. I now have stage 3 cancer. I have to try very hard not to be extremely angry that the doctor did not refer me much earlier.
As I said please don't worry as I am very unlucky and an unusual case, but do not ignore the symptoms especially if they worsen.

Cripes. They want £500 for a private scan. Although thy could fit me in tomorrow afternoon.

NHS one is six weeks from now.

Oh it’s so tricky. If I had to wait 6 weeks personally I’d go private. I’ve got my appointment on Friday morning. Have felt so sick from anxiety today. Think I’m going to drop my son at school tomorrow and then go home to bed and try to sleep some of the day away. I have to take my son to hospital for an audiology appointment tomorrow afternoon and then back for myself in the morning. Have to call the surgery tomorrow afternoon to get my blood test results ahead of Fridays hospital appointment. Just dreading those as I already know what the ‘normal’ level should be.

Have you decided whether you’ll go private? D x

Just picked up my blood test results and my ca 125 is 24. I’m so relieved I burst into tears for the poor receptionist. So I just need to go to my appointment tomorrow to see what they say about he cyst. I know it doesn’t mean no to ovarian cancer but it’s one good result x

OP, wait until you get your blood results before you spend £500 on a private scan. Your GP should tell you sharpish if you have a raised CA125 and should then ensure that your ultrasound scan will be moved forward.

That’s good thinking @twitterqueen1 x

Well I found one today that charges £140. So I went for it. And the gynaecologist could see nothing there. No cysts or anything. He did say there could be a polyp in my uterus but that didn't look like anything to worry about. Everything else - ovaries and womb - looked fine. 😅

So whilst I feel enormous and total relief, I still have this constant pain. The gynaecologist thinks it could be musculoskeletal.

Back to the GP again.

Good news and worth the money for peace of mind.

Oh I’m so pleased @hobblersandhogwash and that was a really good cost. Good luck on finding a solution x

What a relief :) I hope you find out what's causing the pain and get a solution soon.