WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 2002: Re: Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Re: Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

From: Lynn Montgomery, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 29 May 2002 14:11:08 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: Lynn Montgomery, M.D.: "Re: Going back on the pill"
Previous message: al: "alzeimers ques??"
In reply to: Christine: "Ovarian Cancer Symptoms"

At Wed, 29 May 2002, Christine wrote: >
>There has been a LOT of information in the media in the last month
>regarding ovarian cancer and its early warning signs. I swear I've read
>at least five different articles. Nothing like feeling paranoid!!
>Anyway, all of these articles talk about the early symptoms of ovarian
>cancer as being "abdominal discomfort". None of these articles get very
>specific, but I wish they would. As a 38 year old female who suffers
>from diagnosed GERD and IBS, this makes me nervous. When I bring up
>these issues in relation to ovarian cancer, no one seems too concerned,
>yet the magazines are SCREAMING at me about these symptoms. As a
>doctor, who may have had first-hand experience with ovarian cancer, what
>specifically should we look for as far as "abdominal symptoms". Maybe
>there is no easy answer, but if I went the doctor for every tummy
>distress I'd be there daily (as well as some of my other friends).
>Thanks,
>Christine

Christine, You have identified the very reason that ovarian cancer is often not identified before it is too late. The classic symptoms of ovarian cancer are increasing abdominal girth but not usually associated with weight gain, but rather weight loss; early satiety (feeling full after eating only a little bit). Beyond this, there is a blood test that can lend some evidence, but it is not exact. Unfortunately, nothing more than yearly exams has proven to be effective in screening... Lynn

-- Lynn D. Montgomery, M.D. Rocky Mountain Women's Health Missoula, Montana

The information provided here is only an opinion and does not constitute the establishment of a patient-physician relationship. As with any medical problem, should you feel that you have a significant problem it is incumbent upon you to seek the appropriate medical care. I hope that you will understand that I cannot respond to individual e-mails directed to me.

Next message: Lynn Montgomery, M.D.: "Re: Going back on the pill"
Previous message: al: "alzeimers ques??"
In reply to: Christine: "Ovarian Cancer Symptoms"

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: