Dr. Shiva Kumar Uppala at Oncolndia, Bengaluru talks about the dangers of self-diagnosis and ignoring the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is called a silent killer because in most cases the symptoms start only at a later stage. “Many times, the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer get misinterpreted as menstrual cramps, gastric problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or menopause-related issues”, says Dr. Shiva Kumar.
Generally, the symptoms of ovarian cancer include pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen, back pain, frequent urination, pain during sexual intercourse, and changes in the menstrual cycle. As the cancer progress, other symptoms like unexplained weight loss, breathlessness, loss of appetite and tiredness, nausea, quickly feeling full when eating, abdominal bloating or swelling also begin.
Ovarian cancer is a result of a single errant cell in the ovaries or the fallopian tube that grows uncontrollably leading to the formation of tumors. “Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is becoming more common among young women because of which irregular periods and menstruation-related problems are on the rise. This often leads to women with ovarian cancer self-diagnosing it as menstrual problems related to PCOS”, says Dr. Shiva Kumar, which he believes is a very dangerous trend.
Priya (name changed), a 43-year-old homemaker did the same mistake before she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Priya had always suffered from PCOS which made her periods irregular and hence she did not notice changes in her menstrual cycle. When she started feeling stabbing pains in her abdomen, she relied on home remedies thinking that it was a gastric issue. She only approached a doctor when the pain in her abdomen became persistent and intense. After a series of tests, Priya and her family were informed that she was suffering from stage 2 ovarian cancer.
According to Dr. Shiva Kumar, it is always better to approach a doctor if someone is experiencing any of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Identifying ovarian cancer at an early stage gives the patient a better chance at remission and survival. Ultrasound, Computer Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, and Laparoscopy are some of the diagnostic tools used for detecting ovarian cancer. High levels of CA125 in the blood are also an indicator of ovarian cancer.
Removal of both ovaries and uterus, along with lymph nodes and omentum was the surgical treatment suggested by Dr. Shiva Kumar for Priya. This was followed by chemotherapy sessions to ensure that no cancerous cells remained in Priya’s body. Though the surgery and chemotherapy have taken their toll on Priya, she is determined to live the best life possible. She refuses to take life for granted. With ample support from her family and the team at OncoIndia, Priya has chosen to fight ovarian cancer.
Though ovarian cancer is a silent killer, our bodies do give us clues. Therefore, always listen to your body and trust your instincts”, says Dr. Shiva Kumar.
